Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among School-aged Children and School Staff in Wadata, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma parasites and transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater. It remains a major burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among school-aged children in endemic regions. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children and school staff in Wadata, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, and determined the association between infection prevalence and selected socio-demographic, clinical, environmental and behavioural risk factors. Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Wadata, a riverine community in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, among school-aged children and school staff. Methodology: Laboratory analyses were carried out at the Zoology Laboratory of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. A total of 200 urine samples were collected from participants during mid-morning hours using sterile, labelled containers. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk-factor information were obtained using structured questionnaires. Urine samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the polycarbonate membrane filtration technique. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Chi-square analysis was used to determine associations between infection prevalence and selected risk factors, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Of the 200 participants examined, 28 tested positive for urinary schistosomiasis, giving an overall prevalence of 14.00%. Males recorded a significantly higher prevalence (22.22%) than females (8.40%) (χ² = 7.644, P = 0.006). Infection was predominantly observed among participants aged 10-19 years (15.14%), although age was not significantly associated with infection (χ² = 2.64, P = 0.620). Among the clinical symptoms assessed, blood in urine (27.27%; χ² = 4.538, P = 0.033) and painful urination (35.00%; χ² = 6.317, P = 0.012) showed significant associations with infection prevalence. Blood in stool, abdominal pain, fatigue or weakness, diarrhoea and absence of symptoms showed no significant associations (P > 0.05). Water-contact activities, including fishing (94.12%; χ² = 47.923, P = 0.001), swimming (86.36%; χ² = 62.639, P = 0.001), combined fishing and swimming (93.75%; χ² = 45.474, P = 0.001), washing (63.16%; χ² = 24.120, P = 0.001) and playing in water (58.62%; χ² = 31.956, P = 0.001), were significantly associated with infection. Environmental and behavioural risk factors such as proximity to streams or rivers (χ² = 66.720, P = 0.001), frequent use of streams (χ² = 114.730, P = 0.001), presence of snails in water bodies (χ² = 33.001, P = 0.001), urinating or defecating in streams (χ² = 40.589, P = 0.001) and main source of water (χ² = 11.492, P = 0.042) were also significantly associated with urinary schistosomiasis prevalence. Conclusion: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health concern among school-aged children and school staff in Wadata, Makurdi, particularly among individuals frequently exposed to natural water bodies. The findings highlight the importance of sustained health education, improved access to safe water, environmental sanitation and regular mass drug administration programmes to reduce transmission.