Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Primary Schools Pupils at Gala Village in Sumaila Local Government Area, Kano State
Hadiza Rabiu Ishak *
Department of Science Lab. Technology, Aliko Dangote University of Science & Tech., Wudil, Nigeria.
Yahaya Ubah Yau
Department of Science Lab. Technology, Aliko Dangote University of Science & Tech., Wudil, Nigeria.
Maryam Lawan Faragai
Department of Life Science, School of Technology, Kano State Polytechnic, Kano, Nigeria.
Sakina Sani Buhari
Department of Biological Sciences, Aliko Dangote University of Science & Technology, Wudil, Nigeria.
Zainab Rabilu Dan-inna
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly among school-aged children in rural areas who have frequent contact with freshwater habitats.
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among primary school pupils in Gala Village, Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done, and 70 urine samples were randomly collected from both male and female pupils. The urine samples were then examined macroscopically and microscopically using the centrifugation sedimentation technique for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium ova. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the required information from the pupils.
Results: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was found to be 15.7% (11/70). The prevalence was higher among males than females and was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The highest prevalence was found among pupils aged 11-13 years. In addition, all the pupils who were positive for urinary schistosomiasis reported having engaged in water contact activities. Haematuria was found among 10.0% of the study participants.
Conclusion: It was concluded that schistosomiasis was more common among the males who were positive for urinary schistosomiasis.
Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, prevalence, risk factors, pupils