Urinary Schistosomiasis Prevalence and Sociodemographic Risk Factors among Adults in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Urogenital schistosomiasis remains endemic in Nigeria, and adults with occupational, domestic and recreational freshwater contact may remain exposed. This study assessed the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and its sociodemographic distribution among adults at four freshwater-contact sites in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State. Methods: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted from June 2025 to January 2026 among 637 adults aged 20–60 years. Urine samples collected between 10:00 and 14:00 h were centrifuged, and sediments were examined microscopically for terminal-spined eggs of S. haematobium. Questionnaire data covered age, sex, occupation, education, knowledge and water-contact behaviour. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests at the 0.05 level. Results: Eighty-three participants were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 13.03%; 3.30% had haematuria. Prevalence was highest at Ekori beach (18.45%), followed by Ajere (14.79%), Afrekpe (9.77%) and Epenti (9.15%). Prevalence declined from 18.95% among participants aged 20–30 years to 7.92% among those aged 51–60 years and was higher among males (16.56%) than females (9.73%). Prevalence was 20.63% among civil servants, 14.58% among fishermen, 12.36% among traders and 10.58% among farmers, while participants with no formal education had the highest prevalence (31.53%). Conclusion: Urinary schistosomiasis remains present among adults in Ekori, with variation across demographic groups and localities. Adult-focused surveillance, praziquantel treatment for at-risk groups, safe water, sanitation and targeted behaviour-change interventions should complement school-based control.