Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Primary Schools Pupils at Gala Village in Sumaila Local Government Area, Kano State

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly among school-aged children in rural areas who have frequent contact with freshwater habitats. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among primary school pupils in Gala Village, Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done, and 70 urine samples were randomly collected from both male and female pupils. The urine samples were then examined macroscopically and microscopically using the centrifugation sedimentation technique for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium ova. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the required information from the pupils. Results: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was found to be 15.7% (11/70). The prevalence was higher among males than females and was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The highest prevalence was found among pupils aged 11-13 years. In addition, all the pupils who were positive for urinary schistosomiasis reported having engaged in water contact activities. Haematuria was found among 10.0% of the study participants. Conclusion: It was concluded that schistosomiasis was more common among the males who were positive for urinary schistosomiasis.