Urinary Schistosomiasis among Vulnerable Children in Security Challenged District of Safana, Katsina State - Nigeria

Aims: Schistosomiasis is among the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which has remained a global health burden, causing illnesses of great health, social and economic implications; especially among the most vulnerable. This study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among almajiri and primary school children in Safana Town, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Random Sampling Technique was used in collection of samples.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a security challenged Safana District, Katsina State, Nigeria between May and September, 2019.

Methodology: A total of three hundred (300) urine samples (150 each from almajiris and primary school pupils) were collected using plain sample bottles, they were taken to the Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, where they were analyzed for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium using centrifugation technique. Data obtained were subjected to Chi-Square analysis to test for association with risk factors.

Results: Out of the 300 samples examined, 64 (21.3%) of them were infected with Schistosoma haematobium. The almajiri school had the highest prevalence infection of 42 (28.0%) out of the 150 samples examined, while the conventional schools (primary school) had the prevalence of 22 (14.6%) out of 150 examined. When prevalence was compared between males and females, 57 (25.1%) out of 227 males were infected, while only 7 (9.5%) out of 73 females had the infection. Significant associations of schistosomiasis with type of school (χ2 = 0.023) and with sex (χ2 = 0.005) were established.

Conclusion: The present study confirmed the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Safana despite several rounds Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with praziquantel; with almajiris remaining reservoirs of the infection in the District. Environmental improvement and snail vector elimination are required in this District, with a better coordinated MDA.