Schistosomiasis is the most prevalent parasitic disease in Nigeria and many other developing countries where it poses an important public health challenge especially to the rural population. This study aimed to re-assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst pupils attending primary schools in Okengwe, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Sterile universal bottles were used to collect 100 mL urine samples from pupils within the ages of 5 to 15 years after ethical clearance was duly sought for. Urine samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically for Schistosoma haematobium egg. The prevalence rate observed among age groups 5-10 years, 11-16 years were 9 % and 12% respectively as against 18% and 32% respectively from previous study in the same locality. The overall prevalence of the study was 15%. Analysis was focused on age, gender and water contact activities with a final probability value of statistical significance (p<0.05) at a confidence interval of 95% using Chi-square tool. It was observed that swimming activity still poses the highest mode of transmission but at a reduced rate when compared with the previous study. This reduction could be attributed to a change in the orientation of the children as a result of effective sensitization. Though a minimal prevalence of S. haematobium was recorded, there is a need to intensify efforts in sensitizing the community and include integrated control measures to reduce or completely eradicate the disease.
BT - Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS) DA - 12/2025 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Schistosomiasis is the most prevalent parasitic disease in Nigeria and many other developing countries where it poses an important public health challenge especially to the rural population. This study aimed to re-assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst pupils attending primary schools in Okengwe, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Sterile universal bottles were used to collect 100 mL urine samples from pupils within the ages of 5 to 15 years after ethical clearance was duly sought for. Urine samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically for Schistosoma haematobium egg. The prevalence rate observed among age groups 5-10 years, 11-16 years were 9 % and 12% respectively as against 18% and 32% respectively from previous study in the same locality. The overall prevalence of the study was 15%. Analysis was focused on age, gender and water contact activities with a final probability value of statistical significance (p<0.05) at a confidence interval of 95% using Chi-square tool. It was observed that swimming activity still poses the highest mode of transmission but at a reduced rate when compared with the previous study. This reduction could be attributed to a change in the orientation of the children as a result of effective sensitization. Though a minimal prevalence of S. haematobium was recorded, there is a need to intensify efforts in sensitizing the community and include integrated control measures to reduce or completely eradicate the disease.
NV - 4b PY - 2025 SP - 365 EP - 374 T2 - Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS) TI - Re-assessment of urinary schistosomiasis amongst primary school pupils in Okengwe, Kogi State, Nigeria; implications for public health UR - https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dujopas/article/view/310274/291783 VL - 11 ER -