Health Inequities in Schistosomiasis Burden and Treatment Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Enrolled and Out-of-School Children in Riverine Kebbi State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54987/jobimb.v13i2.1165Keywords:
Schistosomiasis, Out-of-school children, Nigeria, WASH, EquityAbstract
Schistosomiasis remains endemic in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting out-of-school children (OOSC), who are largely excluded from mass drug administration (MDA) programs. To compare Schistosoma spp prevalence, morbidity, and treatment outcomes between enrolled school children (ESC) and OOSC in Kebbi State. A community-based cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow-up (Oct 2023–Feb 2024) was conducted in six riverine communities. Diagnoses included urine filtration, Kato-Katz, and POC-CCA for hybrids. Multivariable Poisson regression assessed determinants. Of 1155 children (aged 0–15 years), overall infection prevalence was 11.4% (n=132). OOSC exhibited significantly higher prevalence than ESC (31.4% vs 5.2%, p<0.001). Key risk factors included stream water use (PR 3.45; 95% CI, 2.5–4.8), open defecation (PR 2.19; 95% CI, 1.7–2.9), and inadequate hygiene practices. Only 3.8% of infected children received praziquantel; traditional and spiritual healing were predominant. Charts illustrate infection by education, water source, and hygiene practices. The exclusion of OOSC sustains reservoirs of transmission and undermines the WHO's 2030 elimination targets. Integrated interventions, including community-based MDA, WASH, and hygiene, are urgently needed.
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Copyright (c) 2025 A.Y. Bazata, A.A. Turaki, M.B. Danlami, B. Aliyu, B.H. Gulumbe, N. Muhammad, S.A. Fana, M.D.A. Bunza, U.M. Giro, Z.M. Kalgo, U. Aminu, Z.U. Illo, S.K. Ahmad, L.A. Tsafe, Y.L. Dabban, M. Abdullahi, J.B. Danjuma, A. Shamsuddeen
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