Project Abstract

Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, continues to be a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey for schistosomiasis among school-aged pupils in a high-risk area. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infection, identify risk factors associated with transmission, and assess the knowledge and practices related to schistosomiasis among the pupils. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a random sample of pupils from selected schools in the study area was included. Stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of Schistosoma eggs using the Kato-Katz technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, water contact behavior, and knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention and control. The results showed a high prevalence of Schistosoma infection among the pupils, with the majority of cases being due to Schistosoma mansoni. Significant risk factors for infection included frequent contact with freshwater bodies, lack of adequate sanitation facilities, and low awareness of the disease. Despite the high prevalence of infection, the knowledge and practices related to schistosomiasis prevention were found to be inadequate among the pupils. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated control measures to combat schistosomiasis in the study area. Health education programs focusing on the transmission routes and prevention strategies of the disease should be implemented in schools to increase awareness among pupils. Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities is crucial in reducing the risk of infection. Furthermore, regular mass drug administration with praziquantel should be considered as a preventive measure to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in the community. In conclusion, this epidemiological survey provides valuable insights into the current status of schistosomiasis among school-aged pupils in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive control strategies that address both the environmental and behavioral factors contributing to the transmission of the disease. By implementing targeted interventions and increasing awareness among the community, significant progress can be made towards the elimination of schistosomiasis.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of urinary and intestinal tracts by schistosome. A specie which infect the urinary bladder is caused by schnstosome haematobuim widely found in Africa and was first discovered by bilharza in 1851 in Egyptian mummies and He also carried out an urogential tract autopsy. About 20million people are infected with schnstosome parasite, those who get heavy infection are especially or death. Billaries modify dictimery (1998) defined Schistosomiasis as infection disease of man caused by blood flukes of genus schnstosome. It is one of the most serious parasitic infection of man, affecting millions of people in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia and west Indies.

Schistosomiasis presents a constant threat to as many as 600millons people as they perform daily activities related to water, such like swimming, washing and bathing ( Bayers 1984) this Schistosomiasis affect for different prpolation from as a result of human contact with infected water, they includes (a) occupational (b) recreational (c) domestic (d) socio- cultural (Ukoli 1984) The three main species of schnstosome responsible for human infection are schnistasoma japonicum. Four other species occurring much less commonly are interculum, S matter, S bovis and S meking

The blood flukes in schnstosome is a long narrow known as Schistosomiasis or bilharziasis. schnstosome that livers in the urinary bladder of man is known as schisotosoma haematobium while that in the intestine is . schistosoms mansm, and also schistosnma japonicum,

Ramsay (1934) reported that male and female worms are separated individual but the female is smaller and is carried in a groove on the under surface of the male and lives in the vein of the host. The female lays eggsin the walls of the bladder and intestine causing inflammation and bleeding. The eggs are excreted with body wastes and find their way to water contaminated by several different water snail example bulinus which is the intermediate host of schrostome haematobium. Schistosomiasis is very wide spread and associated with poverty, poor housing and inadequate sanitary facilities and unsanitary human behavior.

Schistosoma has been found to be a disease rampart and highly prevalent in the revenuer areas, where man contact with infected water while performing their Agricultural activities. Ishiehy Amagunze using annual the river Afavu having an agricultural base with the people contact with the infected water and swampy soil, there is the tendency of the disease which manifest in the people with symptoms as haematuria tenderness of lower etc. It is prevalence in Armagunze increases as the people gets more into contact with the water bodies this makes water bodies unsafe for Agricultural recreational activities enchangers farm works and use of the water contact relation for the people have increased alarming due to the poor facilities and recreational features. hence, there is need to redetemine the level of Schistosomiasis in Ishelu Amagume, Nkanu local government

1.2     AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epidermiology of Schistosomiasis among pupil of Ishielu Amagunze in Nkanu local government.

To educate the pupils with respect to the disease on the mode of infection and identify ways of preventing and controlling the disease.

1.3  STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Amagunze has a number of slow moving streams and water bodies with high human contact. The exposed population is primary school pupils who swims, wash food clothes at long hours. It is expected that water intact diseases and schistomiasis will be highly prevalent in the community.

1.4   HYPOTHESIS

H0 prevalence of schristosmiasis is more in primary school children between ages 6-12 years who have highest water contact such as swimming food washing etc.

H1 Schistosomiasis is not present amoge pupils in Amagunze even though they have high water contact events.

1.5   JUSTIFICATION

Since all human activities required water such as drinking., bathing, washing of clothes and agricultural purpose etc. there is need for proper disposal of faces and urine to reduces the rates of infection of Schistosomiasis and pupils coming to the water should be screened before allowing to settle in the area.