PREVALENCE OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN OF SOWRA ELMAHDIA BOYS AND ROFEIDA GIRLS IN KOSTI, WHITE NILE STATE, SUDAN

Abstract

The parasitic disease Schistosomiasis often known as bilharzia, affects humans and other vertebrates in tropical and subtropical regions. In term of socioeconomic and public health significance, it is one of the most widespread diseases and is only surpassed by malaria. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sowra Elmahdia boys and Rofeida girls’ schools in Kosti district White Nile State, Sudan, from September to December 2018. The data were collected using structured questionnaires. The study revealed that the prevalence among children was found to be (3.2%). However, among girls (3.6%) was found greater than boys (2.9%). Among total respondents
more than eight tens (82.4%) of them were the age group (11-14) years old and all the infected cases were that age group (11-14) and the mean age of the respondents was 12±1.6 years according to sex boys and girls were 48% and 52% respectively. The main sources of water were tap water (50.5%). The study revealed those who get water by donkey cart had high infection rate (57.14%) of the cases.
The study revealed that urinary schistosomiasis infection is high among girls than boys, and those who get water by donkey cart had highest prevalence rate. Provision of community with adequate safe water and proper sanitation is recommended.