Studies on <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> infection in school-aged children in some parts of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosoma haematobium infection continues to be a serious public health problem in school-aged children in Benue State. Though there has been a general decline in prevalence in Nigeria, this study investigated the current status of the disease in some communities in Benue State. Seven hundred urine samples were collected from apparently healthy school children and parasitologically examined using urine sedimentation method. Samples were collected at random from Gboko, Ohimini and Gyado Villa in Makurdi, Benue State. Out of 700 urine samples screened, 151 (21.6%) tested positive for the parasite. From the study, there was significant difference between infection and age, location, source of water and frequency of exposure to open bodies of water of the children (p=0.000, x²=3.841). Sex of the children showed no significant association with infection (p=0.081, x²=3.841). The result obtained points to the fact that epidemiological factors that enhance susceptibility to infection such as: poverty, poor personal and public hygiene and exposure to contaminated water and intermediate host are still very much in existent within the study areas. This justifies the need for intervention on control measures and intensified health education in most schools by both individuals and the government.

Keywords: School-aged children; S. haematobium; Benue State