Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Kubau and Kaura LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and the nutritional status of primary school children in parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty (280) urine samples were collected from school children in twenty-eight randomly selected schools from Kubau LGA, and one hundred and twenty (120) urine samples were collected from school children in ten (10) randomly selected schools from Kaura LGA, Kaduna state, Nigeria. One single sample was collected from each child. Urine samples were examined by microscopy and the centrifugation concentration technique. A total of 31 children were infected with Schistosoma haematobium, with a prevalence of 7.8%. All positive cases were recorded from Kubau LGA with a prevalence of 11.1%. Female children had a prevalence of 5.6% while males had 9.4% (females = 177, males 223,

p = 0.162). There was a statistically significant association in infection and intensity among age groups (p = 0.002) with the 14-16 years age group having the highest prevalence of 22.1%, while the 8-10- and 11-13-years age groups had heavy infections (≥50 ova/10ml urine). The 5-7 years age group recorded zero percent prevalence. Haematuria was associated with infection (OR = 6.73, p = 0.000). Inadequate sanitary facilities in schools was a risk factor for infection (OR = 13.2, p = 0.000). There was no significant association between nutritional status and urinary schistosomiasis in the population (p = 0.193). Synergy between rural schools and health care facilities through education and screening of rural at-risk groups, and availability of drugs could build up steps towards eradication.