Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis in Gubi, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health burden in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities with limited access to potable water. Despite global efforts to control morbidity, Nigeria continues to bear the highest burden of the disease in Africa, with millions of school-aged children requiring preventive chemotherapy annually. This study assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Gubi, Bauchi State, to determine local endemicity and risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2019 involving 200 subjects. Urine and stool samples were analyzed using sedimentation and flotation techniques, respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 5%. Urinary schistosomiasis (S. haematobium) had a prevalence of 6.5%, while intestinal schistosomiasis (S. mansoni) was 3.5%. Infection was significantly higher in males (12.6% for urinary and 5.8% for stool) and the 0-15 age group (8.5%and 5.7). Reliance on river/stream water was identified as the primary risk factor (12.8% prevalence). Conclusion: This study revealed that schistosomiasis is still prevalent among local communities in Nigeria. Mass drug administration, health education and public health interventions focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are imperative strategies to significantly reduce the prevalence and morbidity of schistosomiasis in these communities.