Profile of an epidemiological study of urinary schistosomiasis in two local government areas of Benue state, Nigeria

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and continues to pose public health challenges especially in inhabitants of rural areas. Aim: This study was conducted in an attempt to establish the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in relation to epidemiological factors among children in Buruku and Katsina-Ala local government areas, Benue, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to determine presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine. Questionnaires were also administered to children to collect information on socio-demographic data and water-contact activities. Results: An overall prevalence of 41.5% was observed among the 1,124 children examined. Secondary school children recorded higher prevalence rate than primary school children and pre-school children. A significant difference in prevalence was observed between the three categories of children examined. Males had statistically higher prevalence rate than females. No significant difference was observed between the different age groups, and across the months. Children whose parents have no formal education and whose parents have primary education recorded the highest prevalence with statistical significance. Children whose parents’ occupation is farming had the highest prevalence which was statistically significant compared to those whose parents were non-farmers. Children who played/bathed and collected fresh water snails had higher risks of infection with urinary schistosomiasis in the area. Conclusion: The study draws attention to the health hazards posed by urinary schistosomiasis among children in in the studied area. The urgent need for a decisive control intervention to stem this problem cannot be overemphasized.