Effects of Urogenital Schistosomiasis on Academic Performance and Anthropometric Parameters of School-aged Children

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and its effects on academic performance and anthropometric parameters of school-aged children in Akpet community, Nigeria. Methods: Urine samples from randomly selected 300 school children aged 3-15 years were examined for the presence of ova of Schistosoma haematobium in their urine using standard filtration techniques. Questionnaires were also administered. Results: Urogenital schistosomiasis was observed in 57(19%). Subjects aged 6-8 years had the highest prevalence of infection 10 (37%) while subjects aged 3-5 years had the lowest prevalence 3 (10%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with weight 30-39 kg had the highest prevalence of infection 6 (25%) while subjects with weight 10-19 kg had the lowest prevalence of infection 2 (10%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with height 130-139 cm had the highest prevalence 4 (28.5%) while subjects 70-79 cm, 80-89 cm and 140-149 cm had the lowest prevalence 0 (0%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with shoulder length 15-20 cm had the highest prevalence 6(100%) while subjects with shoulder length 21-26 cm had the lowest prevalence 2 (7.7%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with average grade score "D and E" had the highest prevalence 6 (27.3%) while subjects with average grade score "F" had the lowest prevalence 1 (8.33%) (p≤0.020). Conclusion: Urogenital schistosomiasis is endemic in Akpet community. Age, weight, height, shoulder lengths and academic performance have influence on the prevalence of this infection. Urogenital schistosomiasis has also shown to be significantly associated with the presence of hematuria and proteinuria among residents of this endemic community.