Prevalence, Intensity, Risk Factors, and Haematological impact of Schistosomiasis among School-Aged Children in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease and public health concern among school-aged children in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence and health impacts of schistosomiasis among school children in Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022 among 507 school children aged 5-18 years from four communities. Urine (n = 507) and stool (n = 477) samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni using syringe filtration and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. Venous blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were obtained using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests in SPSS v21.0, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 18.7% (95/507), intestinal schistosomiasis 8.8% (42/477), and co-infection 3.7% (19/507). Males had significantly higher urinary schistosomiasis prevalence (23.1% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.013) and egg intensity (15.75 vs. 4.97 eggs/10 ml urine) than females. Children older than 15 years had the highest prevalence (37.5%; p = 0.001). Although children of farmers showed higher prevalence (24.2%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.089). Infected children had significantly lower haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels compared to uninfected children (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Schistosomiasis remains endemic among school children in Osun State, particularly among older children and males, and is associated with anaemia and reduced iron stores. These findings support targeted mass drug administration in high-risk communities.