Prevalence of Urinary Schistomiasis Among Students Attending Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among students attending Igbinedion University Okada, Edo state, Nigeria. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain socio demographic data. Urine samples of students were centrifuged and the deposit was examined for eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Out of a two hundred (200) urine samples collected, seventy eight (78) were from males while one hundred and twenty two (122) were from females. The age range of participants was from 16-35 years. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the area was 6 (3.0%). Out of which 4 (3.2%) cases were recorded from females and 2 (2.6%) were recorded from males. In the study group, the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was observed to increase with increase in age. Study participants that were 25 years or older had the highest prevalence of urinary schistomiasis. None of the participants within the age group of 16-18 years had urinary schistosomiasis. This study confirms the presence of urinary schistosomiasis among undergraduate students of Igbinedion University, Okada. In light of this, the following suggestions are made: More expansive screening of students from all Faculties of the university for Schistosoma haematobium, Increased public enlightenment campaign in the university community and surrounding settlements on ways of prevention of the disease, and timely treatment for persons confirmed to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium