Urogenital Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors among Women in the Three (3) Senatorial Zones of Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Urogenital Schistosomiasis, a trematode infection (schistosoma haematobium) is endemic to Nigeria. The disease results in urogenital consequencies such as cancer and infertility among others.

Aim of the Study: This study determined the status of urogenital schistosomiasis among women in the three senatorial zones of Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study involving 500 women randomly selected in some selected communities of the 3 senatorial zones of Anambra State. The study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2024, in six communities namely Omogho, Oraifite,Agulu, Achalla, Nsugbe and Awkuzu. 500 urine samples were collected from the 500 women who consented, the urine samples were checked for haematuria using combi 9 dipstick, they were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1500rpm, and the deposit was viewed under x40 microscope objective to detect S. haematobium eggs. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis, with statistical significance established at p-values less than 0.05.

Results: Urogenital schistosomiasis was found in 56(11.2%) of women in the three senatorial zones. Anambra south senatorial zone had the highest prevalence of 22(12.9%), while Anambra Central had the lowest prevalence 17((9.9%) each. Women of age group 16-20 years had the highest 30(34.5%) urogenital Schistosomiasis infection, and the highest haematuria11(12.6%), the difference in infection rate according to age is statistically significant p<0.05, p=0.000. Women with low educational level had more infection, the difference in infection according to academic level is statistically substantial p<0.05. Women who had water contact through swimming or bathing in the infected water bodies had the highest prevalence 50 (12.4%), other risk factors include nearness to streams, use of infested water bodies as main water sources 51(12.8%).

Conclusion: The present study indicated that urogenital Schistosomiasis is endemic in Anambra State, MDA should extend to everybody in endemic communities. Continuous health education should be implemented.