The perception, beliefs and practices toward genitourinary schistosomiasis by inhabitants of selected endemic areas (Edo/Delta States) in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Well-structured questionnaire on the perception, impression and response to genitourinary bilharziasis (Genitourinary schistosomiasis) was administered and explained in local languages: 'Igbo' 'Esan' 'Ezon' Itshekiri and Bini to 33815 inhabitants of selected endemic areas in south-eastern Nigeria from January, 1999 to December, 2001. Out of this number, 3815 (11.3%) were properly filled and returned. About 42.0% of the inhabitants admitted knowledge of the disease, while 14 (0.4%) knew about the aetiologic agent. About 181 (5.0%) who responded, admitted procuring treatment, while 100 (5.0%) declined to seek treatment of any sort. The relationships between water-bodies and human activities, and infection were well discussed. Amongst those who admitted knowledge of the disease but no knowledge of its etiologic agent, declined seeking treatment of any kind, but believe the disease is a natural phenomenon in ones developmental stage and therefore of no morbidity and mortality. Laboratory analysis of urine, faeces, semen and HVS was employed to assess questionnaire responses, and in some cases, physical examination was utilized to augment laboratory analysis in confirming urinal diagnosis. Haematuria was only directly related to egg count in the early part of life. Females were significantly haematuric and excreted more ova than males (p < 0.05). Headache (43.0%) and fever (31.0%) were major clinical signs while sexual pains (22.0%) were the least.

Awareness of Transmission, Complications and Protective Measures against Schistosomiasis among Paddy Cultivators

“…However, these findings contradict the lack of knowledge observed in Nigeria where fewer subjects were aware of urinary schistosomiasis infection [10]. Our respondents had acquired primary school education that signifies the impact of basic school education on awareness of schistosomiasis.…”

Urogenital schistosomiasis in females from some suburban communities of Jos, north central Nigeria

“…The levels of haematuria and proteinuria in the study were low and did not conform favourably with other studies where as high as 40-80% had been reported [3,44,11]. It is notable from that a combination of symptoms, such as morbidity indicators will be useful for the purpose of rapid epidemiological survey in any wide endemic area.…”

Schistosoma mansoni Morbidity among School-Aged Children: A SCORE Project in Kenya

“…The PedsQL tool may not capture the specific experience associated with schistosomiasis; there may be cultural or language barriers that limit the assessment of infection impact and chronic manifestations of schistosomiasis may be accepted as normal health status. [57][58][59][60] Therefore, a person might not perceive themselves to have a decreased quality of life on questioning or language may interfere with the interpretation of the impact. These concerns suggest that qualitative studies aimed at determining if and in what capacity quality of life in children is affected by schistosomiasis are warranted.…”