Prevalence and Age–Sex Variation of Urogenital Schistosomiasis Among School-Aged Children around Ajiwa Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a freshwater-associated parasitic disease strongly influenced by human–water interactions and environmental conditions that support transmission. This study assessed the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium and described its variation by age and sex among school-aged children living in communities around Ajiwa Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2023 among 105 pupils aged 8–15 years. Urine samples were screened using reagent strips and examined microscopically following centrifugation–sedimentation. The overall prevalence was 42.9% (95% CI: 33.8–52.4%). Infection was descriptively more frequent among males (46.9%) than females (36.6%; OR 1.53, 95% CI: 0.69–3.41; p = 0.299) and among younger age groups (50.0% at age 8–10 years declining to 31.3% at age 15; χ² = 1.558, df = 3, p = 0.669); however, neither difference was statistically significant. The findings indicate that urogenital schistosomiasis remains an important public health concern among school-aged children in communities around Ajiwa Reservoir and underscore the importance of preventive chemotherapy, health education, improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices, and reduction of risky freshwater contact.