Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Almajiri School Children in Kaura Namoda Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases affecting school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. Almajiri school pupils constitute a particularly vulnerable population because of frequent exposure to contaminated freshwater sources, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare services. This study determined the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among Almajiri school children in Kaura Namoda Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 160 Almajiri school pupils aged 5–16 years selected using a multistage sampling technique. Sociodemographic and epidemiological information was collected using structured questionnaires. Midday terminal urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the standard World Health Organization urine filtration technique, while biochemical abnormalities were assessed using urine reagent strips. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations between variables were evaluated using Pearson's Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 160 pupils examined, 63 were positive for urinary schistosomiasis, giving an overall prevalence of 39.4%. The highest prevalence occurred among children aged 11–13 years (50.0%), followed by those aged 8–10 years (40.0%), whereas the lowest prevalence was observed among children aged 5–7 years (26.7%). Male pupils recorded a higher prevalence (41.7%) than females (32.5%). Haematuria was the most common biochemical abnormality, occurring in 57.1% of infected participants, followed by proteinuria (40.0%), while glucosuria was detected in 15.0% of cases. Conclusion: Urinary schistosomiasis remains highly prevalent among Almajiri School children in Kaura Namoda Metropolis, with older children and males disproportionately affected. The high occurrence of haematuria among infected pupils highlights its usefulness as a rapid screening indicator in endemic settings. Strengthening school-based praziquantel mass drug administration, improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, promoting health education, and implementing routine surveillance are recommended to reduce disease transmission and associated morbidity among this vulnerable population.