Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among Students in a Rural Secondary School, Plateau State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly among school-aged children exposed to infested freshwater. Although Plateau State is endemic for the disease, data on adolescents attending rural secondary schools remain limited. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among students at Government Secondary School (G.S.S.) Longkat, Plateau State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 randomly selected students using a multistage sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos. Midday urine samples (10 mL) were examined for S. haematobium ova using the sedimentation method. Socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0, and associations were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test at P < 0.05. Results: Thirteen of the 224 students tested positive for S. haematobium, giving an overall prevalence of 5.8% (95% CI: 3.4–9.7%). Male students had a higher prevalence than female students (9.2% vs. 3.2%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.056). Infection was significantly associated with age (P < 0.001), with students aged 14–17 years (COR = 6.92, 95% CI: 1.90–25.17) and 18–21 years (COR = 8.00, 95% CI: 1.68–38.10) having higher odds of infection than those aged 10–13 years. Higher prevalences were observed among stream-water users (8.7%) and students engaged in fishing (9.1%), but these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: A low but persistent prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was observed among students at G.S.S. Longkat. Sustained school-based praziquantel administration, health education, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, and continued surveillance are recommended to support schistosomiasis control.