Intestinal schistosomiasis and contributory risk factors in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was determined in three communities in Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State using structured questionnaires for demographic data collection and faecal analysis for detecting the presence of Schistosoma mansoni ova. Examination for the presence of S. mansoni was done using formol-ether concentration technique and microscopy. Out of the 476 persons examined comprising 268 males and 208 females, 24 (5.04%) had their faecal samples positive for S. mansoni infection. More males (5.97%) than females (3.85%) were infected. The highest prevalence occurred in persons aged 15-29 years (5.82%) followed by persons aged 0-14 years (5.76%). Infected persons were mostly students (5.67%) and farmers (5.55%). There was a significant association between occupation and infection(x² 51.84, p>0.05). Source of water used seemed to play a contributory role to infection. Infection occurred most among those that used the stream as their source of water (6.73%). Regarding toilet facilities, those who defaecated in the bush had the highest rate of infection (5.37%). The result of this study has revealed the presence of intestinal schistosomiasis in Nsu. It would be aptly appropriate for the infected persons to seek treatment at the local health centre and the government possibly consider including Nsu in the schistosomiasis control programme, though prevalence was below 50%. This is to help prevent further spread of the infection and control possible morbidity and resultant socio-economic effects that may arise there from.

Keywords: intestinal schistosomiasis, Nsu, prevalence, risk factors.