Incidence of Schistosoma haematobium Among elementary pupils in Donga Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium remains a public health concern in many rural communities of Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among pupils in Donga Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. This school-based study was conducted from September to December, 2024 and selected pupils from five primary schools using simple random sampling. 235 Urine samples were collected from pupils aged 4 -15 years and between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm and examined for S. haematobium eggs using polycarbonate membrane filtration technique. Data on socio-demographic factors and water-contact activities were obtained using structured questionnaires. An overall prevalence of 8.94% (21/235) was recorded, indicating low endemicity. No significant association was found between the prevalence and school attended (χ² = 6.192, df = 4, p = 0.185). However, infection was found associated with gender (13.33% in male and 4.50% in female), age (higher in 10-15 years), and water contact activities with p-value of 0.020; 0.002; 0.024 respectively. The overall mean egg intensity was 27.29 eggs/10 ml of urine, with no significant variation across schools, sex, or age groups (p > 0.05). The findings indicate low endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis in Donga LGA. However, the significant association with sex, age, and water-contact behaviours highlights the need for improved health education and sanitation to prevent escalation.