Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Pupils of Umunya Central School, Oyi Local Government, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a disease of medical importance caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium. It is responsible for morbidities such as blood and protein deficiency in those infected. The study on the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and contributory risk factors was carried out among pupils of Umunya Central School, Oyi Local Government, Anambra State between November and December, 2021. Methods: The children were between the ages of 4-15 years. One hundred and twenty respondents of children were selected and their urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of haematuria and proteinuria using a combi 9 strip before the filtration technique was used to detect the presence of the parasite. Pupils data were collected using Google Forms researcher’s questionnaire. Results: Out of the 120 (62 males and 58 females) children examined, a total prevalence of 0% was gotten. The pupils had a good source of water although a few of them (8%) still drank from the rivers in the community which could predispose them to the disease. Knowledge of the disease was very little among the children and many of them visited the rivers for different activities (78%). Conclusion: Health education of the children and residents for improved perception of the behavioural and socio-economic activities associated with the disease will help reduce the burden of disease transmission.