Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among School Children in Bauchi State, Nigeria (original) (raw)

An investigation conducted to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children was carried out in Bauchi State Nigeria. Six hundred 600 urine samples were collected and examined in the rainy and the dry season each. Sedimentation method was used for the investigation of the Schitosoma haematobium. Six hundred (600) questionnaires were distributed in order to determine their knowledge and perceptions about urinary schistosomiasis in relation to their community. The overall prevalence of 423 (35.3%) was observed during of the period of study 314 (26.2%) males and109 (9.1%) females. The difference between the infection rate in males and females was statistically significant (p<0.05). Prevalence rate was also noted to be higher among age groups between 13-14 years 206 (17.2%) followed by 11-12 years 139 (11.6%), 9-10 years 66 (5.5%) and 7-8 had least 12 (1%). This was also tested statistically and was not significant (p<0.05). The prevalence rate in the rainy season was 235 (39.2%) and 188 (31.3%) in the dry season. This was statistically significantly. The study showed that there is prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study area. Poor knowledge of causative agent of the infection and subsequent means of transmission has contributed to the high prevalence recorded. Proper health education, provision of portable water especially in the rural areas as well as raising the standard of primary health care clinics to facilitated correct diagnosis and treatment of the cases is all recommended for the eradication of the disease in the study area.