Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in the communities around Zobe Dam, in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. Out of the three hundred and twenty (320) Pupils that were randomly selected for the study, one hundred and fifty (150) Pupils were males and one hundred and seventy (170) pupils were females. The samples collected for the study were urine. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using sedimentation/centrifugation technique. The overall prevalence infection of S. haematobium is the area was 147 (45.9%); out of which 98 (66.7%) cases were recorded for males and 49 (33.3%) were recorded for females. The study revealed a statistically significant higher prevalence in males compared to females. The prevalence of the infection in the study area was high. Looking at the age group, the highest prevalence rate of S. haematobium infection was observed in the age bracket 5-7 years (64%), whereas ≥15 years had the lowest prevalent rate of 1.4%. the revealed a significant statistical difference among the age group. To control urinary schistosomiasis. Schistomiasis control programme in the state should be initiated geared towards creating awareness in the people in order to reduce the infection rate.

Key words: Prevalence, Schistosoma haematobium infection, Primary School Children, Communities, Dutsinma, Zobe Dam.