Chronic Urogenital Schistosomiasis among In-School Adolescents in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To assess the prevalence, intensity, associated factors and predictors of chronic urogenital schistosomiasis among in-school adolescents in Sokoto. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Secondary Schools in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria, between January and April 2018. Methodology: A total of 590 apparently healthy secondary school students aged between 10 and 19 years in Sokoto metropolis were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. Designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant socio-demographic and clinical information. Urine specimen was obtained and subjected to urine analysis and microscopy for ova of Schistosoma haematobium. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Results: Mean age of subjects was 15.1 ±2.6 years. There were 334 (56.6%) males and 256 (43.4%) females. Majority 371 (62.9%) attended public secondary schools, most 264 (44.7%) were of middle socio-economic family status, and 300 (50.8%) were from rural community setting. The commonest source of water for domestic use was pipe-borne 203 (34.4%), and swimming was the predominant 55(9.3%) recreational water- related activity. The overall prevalence of chronic urogenital schistosomiasis was 22.9%, significantly (p<0.001) higher among males, with age group category 15-17 years mostly 59 (29.6%) affected. All 135 (100%) of the infected subjects had microscopic haematuria, 119 (88.2%) had proteinuria, and 108(80.0%) had leucocyturia. Age group category 15-17 years (p=0.027), male gender (p<0.001), low and middle social classes (p<0.001) respectively, and residence in rural community setting were independent predictors of chronic urogenital schistosomiasis infection. Majority 81(60.0%) of the infected respondents had light infection. Male gender was the only predictor (p=0.003) of intensity of infection. Conclusions: Chronic urogenital schistosomiasis is prevalent among the subjects. Middle adolescence, male gender, swimming, rural community setting and low-middle socio-economic classes were independent predictors of infection.