Endemicity of Urogenital Schistosomiasis and Its Associated Risk Factors among Children in Danbatta, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Urogenital schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzias is a digenean parasitic infection, classified among the neglected tropical diseases, which has remained endemic in Nigeria, despite efforts in mass drugs administration (MDA) across the country. This study reported the endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis and its associated risks factors among children in Danbatta, Northwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children of Danbatta, Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria. A total of 400 urine samples were collected from children in 4 conventional Primary Schools (198) and 4 Tsangaya (almajiris) schools (202). Urine sedimentation microscopy technique was used in sample analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other exposure information to explore associated risk factors for the infection. Data were expressed in prevalence (%) and subjected to chi-square analysis at 95%CI, p≤0.05. Out of the 400 children, 282 70.5% turned out positive, with Tsangaya children having highest infection prevalence, 92.6% compared to Primary School children, and was significant with type of school (χ 2=95.611, p=0.000). Those who visited water body for irrigation purposes and those who visited daily had highest prevalence of 83.3% and 88.6% respectively. In addition, those who visited water bodies in the afternoon hours had highest prevalence of 85.6%. Urogenital schistosomiasis is hyper-endemic in Danbatta despite previous MDAs and activities that involve contact with water bodies are predisposing factors. Strategic and all-inclusive MDAs should be deployed to Danbatta to arrest the surge in endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis.