
UNMASKING THE SILENT THREAT: PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis and identify associated risk factors among school-aged children in Northern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving a sample of school-aged children from selected schools in the region. Stool and urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of Schistosoma eggs using standard parasitological techniques. Questionnaires were administered to gather information on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was determined, and statistical analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors associated with the infection. The findings provide valuable insights into the burden of schistosomiasis in Northern Nigeria and highlight the importance of implementing effective control and prevention strategies to reduce the disease's impact on the health and well-being of school-aged children.
Keywords
Schistosomiasis, prevalence, school-aged children
References
Sturrock RF. Schistosomes and their intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis. In: Mahmud AA, editor. Schistosomiasis. Tropical Medicine: Science and Practice. Vol. 20. London, United Kingdom: Imperial College Press; 2001
World Health Organization.Working to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: First WHO Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010.
Verjee MA. Schistosomiasis: still a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Res Rep Trop Med. 2019; 10:153-163. doi: 10.2147/RRTM.S204345
Hotez PJ, Kamath A. Neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: review of their prevalence, distribution and disease burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2009;3(8): e412. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000412
Global Network of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Government of Nigeria releases new data on the prevalence of schistosomiasis and intestinal worms. SABIN: Vaccine Institute, USA; 2015.
Agi PI, Okafor EJ. The epidemiology of Schistosomiasis haematobium in Odau Community in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. J Appl Sci Environ Manage. 2006;9(3):37-43.
World Health Organization. Schistosomiasis. Geneva: World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis. Accessed February 2020.
Ekpo UF, Hürlimann E, Schur N, et al. Mapping and prediction of schistosomiasis in Nigeria using compiled survey data and Bayesian geospatial modelling. Geospat Health. 2013;7(2):355-66. doi: 10.4081/gh.2013.92
Butterworth EA. Schistosomiasis, epidemiology, treatment and control.Med Group J Trop Dis. 1997; 25(2):70-81.
Norberg E. Communicable Diseases: A Manual for Health Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. 3rd ed. Africa Medical and Research Foundation; 2004.
Article Statistics
Downloads
Copyright License
Copyright (c) 2023 Aminu Ahmad, Musa M. Dawaki

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.