PREVALENCE OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN GORONYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Introduction: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting millions of people, particularly school-age children. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis among school-age children in Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard filtration technique. Chi-square statistical analysis was used to determine significant association between occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and gender, age, and wards of the pupils. Results: Out of the 200 samples analyzed, 48 (24%) were found to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Males were more often infected (14%) than females (10%). The highest prevalence was recorded inthe Sabon-Gari ward (8%) settlement, followed by Bazza (7%) and Taloka (5%), while the lowest prevalence was recorded in Kwakwazo (4%). The prevalence of infection was highest among pupils in Primary 4 (9%), followed by Primary 5 pupils (8%) and pupils in Primary 3 (5%), while the lowestprevalence was observed in Primary 2 pupils (2%). No infections were recorded in Primary 6 pupils. Results of chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and the age of the pupils. Conclusion: It is concluded that urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge in the Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto. Therefore, it is recommended that local authorities should prioritize improving sanitation infrastructures in schools and communities and health education campaigns, especially in high-prevalence settlements like Sabon-Gari and Bazza.