Urinary Schistosomiasis and its Associated Risk Factors Among Inhabitants of Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) Camps in Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium and is usually associated with lesions in the genito-urinary tracts of affected people. A cross-sectional study was designed to examine factors influencing the occurrence of the disease among inhabitants of the IDP camps located in Maiduguri between October 2016 and June 2019. Information on demography, major sources of water supply and water-contact behaviours were obtained using pre-validated structured questionnaire. Urine samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using standard methods. A sample yielding at least one egg was considered positive while a sample that did not yield any was considered to be negative. The characteristics and disease risk factors were compared between respondents that tested positive and those that were negative for the infection using univariable statistical analysis and factors found to be significant were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The results showed the overall prevalence of infection among the IDPs to be 21.9% (95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI= 19.54-24.42%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the statistically significant (p<0.05) predictors of infection including sex, occupation (c2 = 9.873, df=4, p=0.04), participation in water sporting activity and having washed/bathed in open water body before displacement, presence of signs of the disease in a tent/room member, knowledge of the disease and major source of water supply (c2 = 72.467, df=2, p<0.001) before the displacement. The relatively high prevalence of the disease in the study area may have negative effects on the reproduction and productivity of the IDPs. Based on the identified risk factors, behavioural changes, improved sanitation and safe water supply were recommended as control measures against urinary schistosomiasis in the study area.