Post-COVID-19 Schistosomiasis Burden in School Pupils: Evidence from Thomas Dam, Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains a major global public health problem, affecting approximately 250 million people worldwide, with about 90% of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria bears the highest burden globally, and recent evidence indicates that primary school children in resource-poor communities are disproportionately affected. In line with World Health Organization recommendations for integrated control including improved access to safe water, sanitation, health education, and mass drug administration. This study investigated the post-COVID-19 prevalence and socio-demographic factors of schistosomiasis among primary school pupils (PSP) in communities surrounding Thomas Dam, Dambatta Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 PSP aged 5–15 years across eight primary schools. Schistosoma mansoni eggs were detected by formol-ether concentration technique from stool samples, Schistosoma haematobium eggs were detected by sedimentation technique from urine samples. Socio-demographic and risk factor data were obtained through pre-tested questionnaires, and descriptive statistics alongside Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables and infection status. The findings revealed a predominance of males (66.7%), with older pupils aged 10–15 years forming the majority. Frequent water contact activities such as swimming, bathing, and washing at the dam indicated substantial exposure to potential sources of infection, while awareness and knowledge of the disease remained low among the pupils. These results highlight significant behavioral risk factors and poor health education, underscoring the need for targeted school-based interventions and improved awareness programs.

The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis among PSP was 14.6%, comprising 9.0% S. haematobium and 5.6% S. mansoni. Males had a higher prevalence (15.9%) than females (12.2%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.164). Infection was significantly associated with age (p = 0.002), with the highest prevalence observed among children aged 10–15 years. The findings indicate persistent transmission and low awareness in the study area, emphasizing the need for strengthened integrated control strategies to reduce morbidity and achieve elimination.