Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Primary School Children in Qua'anPan Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

BackgroundUrinary schistosomiasis is a freshwater dependent urogenital infection that can be contracted by direct contact activities with water that contains the infective stage of Schistosoma haematobium. It is second only to malaria in its debilitating effects on humans and is a serious public health problem in Nigeria. Plateau State is classified as a hyper-endemic area. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in Quaan-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State. MethodThe cross-sectional study comprised of 806 children who provided midstream urine samples in clean labelled urine collection bottles. Sedimentation technique was used to prepare samples for parasitological examination. Data obtained was entered into SPSS version 20.0 for data analysis. ResultsThe overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in this study was 17.87%. Dokan Kasuwa district had the highest prevalence (27.5%) while the male children had a higher prevalence (20.29%) than the female children. Children between the ages of 15-19 years had a higher prevalence (24.53%) compared to the other age groups. Children attending private primary schools had a higher (18.51%) than their counterparts attending public primary schools (17.27%). ConclusionThe prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Quaan-Pan Local Government Area is lower than was previously reported but is still high, the situation should be closely monitored. More can be done to maintain the drop in prevalence by annual distribution of praziquantel tablets, provision of safe drinking water and creating awareness about the disease.