Prevalence of Schistosomiasis and Social Demographic Features among 5 to 16 Years School Aged Children in Shoreline Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Chinyere Adanna Alinno
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Juliana Chinyere Omire
Department of Microbiology, School of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Christopher Chike (A.) Okereke
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Sampson Margret
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Bagbi Loveday Elebari
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chidinma (O.) Akanazu
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ugonma Winnie Dozie
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Stanley Samuel Mboi
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Osuji Chidubem Daniel
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ezejindu Cosmas Nnadozie
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Uchechukwu (M.) Chukwuocha
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Uzochukwu (G.) Ekeleme
*
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in various communities in Nigeria, contributing to morbidity and mortality. This research investigated schistosomiasis in vulnerable populations among school-children aged 5-16 years in shoreline communities, Rivers State. Using a cross-sectional survey, one hundred and sixty-nine (169) children were involved in the study. The phlebotomy approach was used in blood collection, and the Schistosoma species was determined through molecular methods using real-time PCR. The variables were subjected to descriptive analysis, and SPSS Statistical Package (version 23) was used to determine the relationship between the variables using chi-square. Of 169 children screened, 17% tested positive for schistosomiasis, with the highest prevalence in Omuwei-Iguruta (48%). Risk behaviours were prevalent: 36% washed in streams and rivers, and 58% indicated the presence of snails as recognised disease vectors. In addition, 90% had no health education, and 91% had never taken Praziquantel. Socioeconomic factors, including age (p = 0.016), gender (p = 0.003), level of parental education (p = 0.019), and proximity to healthcare (p = 0.009), were significantly associated with schistosomiasis. Risk behaviours, including lack of access to clean water (p < 0.001), open defecation (p = 0.042), swimming (p < 0.001), and washing in natural bodies of water (p < 0.001), were significantly associated. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education and enhanced mass drug administration to curb schistosomiasis transmission among children in endemic areas.
Keywords: Schistosomiasis, vulnerable populations, prevalence, risk, school-children