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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with school-aged children at particular risk due to frequent water contact. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children in Usen community, Edo state, Nigeria. This study determined the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children and examined its association with demographic and behavioral factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 students of Ilawure Grammar School, Usen. Urine samples were collected between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and examined microscopically after centrifugation for Schistosoma haematobium eggs and red blood cells. Demographic and behavioral data were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium was 16.0% (8/50). Infection was higher among males (15.4%) and among older children aged 18–20 years (25.0%), though differences by age and sex were not statistically significant. River/stream contact was significantly associated with infection (24.2%, p = 0.037). Other factors such as urinating in rivers, walking barefoot, and lack of toilet facilities showed higher proportions of infection but were not statistically significant. Children with prior knowledge of water protection practices were significantly less likely to be infected (p = 0.004). The study confirms that urinary schistosomiasis remains endemic in Usen Community. Health education, improved sanitation, safe water provision, and strengthened school-based interventions including mass drug administration are recommended to reduce infection among school-aged children.
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