Urinary Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with substantial health and socioeconomic consequences. Nigeria bears a disproportionate burden because of socioeconomic and geographical factors, particularly in communities located near streams and rivers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and the factors predisposing residents of riparian communities in Ondo State, south-western Nigeria, to infection. A total of 210 participants aged 9-62 years (mean, 30.5 ± 0.8 years) were enrolled; the median and modal age group was 21-30 years. There were more males (77.1%) than females (22.9%), and 53.8% were married. Most participants had no formal education (53.4%) and were engaged in fishing (52.9%). Sixty-two participants (29.5%) relied on rivers or streams as their main household water source, and domestic chores were the most common reason for visiting the river (42.9%). A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Urinalysis, urine microscopy, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on the urine samples. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 19.1%. Infection was significantly associated with age (p = 0.029), sex (p = 0.031), marital status (p = 0.022), occupation (p < 0.001), duration of residence (p = 0.002), household water source (p < 0.001), purpose of river contact (p < 0.001) and frequency of river contact (p < 0.001). It was also associated with proteinuria (OR = 13.981, CI: 5.030-38.862, p < 0.001), leukocyturia (OR = 20.944, CI: 9.916-44.241, p < 0.001), haematuria (OR = 31.246, CI: 15.738-62.036, p < 0.001), nitrituria (OR = 2.535, CI: 1.5501-4.144, p < 0.001), ketonuria (OR = 5.935, CI: 1.176-29.94, p = 0.031) and bilirubinuria (OR = 4.779, CI: 1.255-18.197, p = 0.022). Prevalence increased significantly with increasing urinary pH (p = 0.001), but was not significantly associated with glucosuria or urobilinogen levels. These findings indicate a substantial burden of urinary schistosomiasis among riparian residents of Ondo State. Health policymakers should strengthen community education, screening, free treatment and preventive measures in the affected communities.