Artikel
Epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis and risk factors for infection in Osun State, Nigeria
Epidemiologie der Blasenbilharziose und Risikofaktoren für Infektion in Osun State, Nigeria
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Veröffentlicht: | 2. Juni 2010 |
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Objectives: Urinary schistosomiasis has remained unabated in many resource-poor communities in Nigeria. The objective of the present study was to describe the epidemiological situation of the disease, and to provide data for the elaboration of sustainable control measures.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence, intensity and risk factors for Schistosoma haematobium infection in endemic rural communities in Osun State, Nigeria. Parasitological urine examination was performed, and a total of 1,023 respondents were interviewed regarding socio-demographic and economic characteristics and knowledge, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire.
Results: Six hundred and thirty (61.8%, 95% confidence interval: 58.9–64.9) participants were infected (mean egg count: 114.2±327.7 per 10mL urine). Infection was more common in males than in females (67.2% vs. 56.1%), while children 10-14 years had the highest prevalence (83.6%) and intensity of infection (196.3±411.7). The majority (70.0%) of respondents had no knowledge of disease transmission. In multivariate logistic analysis, schistosomiasis was associated with low educational level of respondents (adjusted OR=4.17; 2.5–7.14), low parental income (3.49; 2.19–5.57), number of playmates of 10–15 years/household (1.62; 1.25–2.09), and short distance of river from residence (1.37; 1.00–1.90).
Conclusions: Urinary schistosomiasis is highly endemic in rural Nigeria and associated with poverty. Adequate and culturally sensitive health education is needed to reduce transmission in endemic communities.