Urinary Schistosomiasis among Children in Murbai and Surbai Communities of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Background. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, intensity of infection, and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis among children in Murbai and Surbai communities of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Methods. Urine samples were analysed by the standard filtration technique using 10ml syringe, Swinnex polypropylene filter holder (13mm diameter), and polycarbonate membrane filters (12 mu m porosity). Sociodemographic data and water contact activities were collated from children using structured questionnaires. Results. A point prevalence of 58.54% was reported out of the urine samples examined. Males were significantly more infected than their female counterparts (71.15% versus 43.66%, chi(2) = 89.12, p = 0.000). The age-related prevalence showed 6-10 and 11-15 years significantly infected with 78.70% and 73.02%, respectively (chi(2) = 89.12, p = 0.000). Light intensity of infection, 62.51%, was significantly higher than heavy intensity, 37.48%, among the infected children (chi(2) = 365.8, p = 0.000). Water contact activities such as fishing (OR = 4.01, CI = 3.04-5.61, p = 0.000), rice farming (OR = 4.01, CI = 2.96-5.36, p = 0.000), and dry season farming (OR = 4.78, CI = 3.68-6.22, p = 0.000) were the risk factors exposing children to infection in the area. Conclusion. There is an urgent need to undertake a large scale deworming control programme using praziquantel in the area.