PREVALENCE OF SCHISTOSOMA HEAMATOBIUM AMONG PEOPLE LIVING IN DARUSALAM AREA IN MINNA, NIGER STATE
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- NGN 3000
Background of the study
Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Among the various species causing schistosomiasis, Schistosoma haematobium is particularly prevalent in regions where freshwater snails act as intermediate hosts, facilitating the lifecycle of the parasite. The Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, represents one such endemic region where the prevalence and impact of Schistosoma haematobium infections have been documented. According to recent epidemiological surveys (Ajibola et al., 2018), the prevalence rates of urogenital schistosomiasis in this region have shown variability over the years, influenced by factors such as socio-economic status, access to clean water sources, and sanitation practices (Kabuyaya et al., 2019). These factors contribute significantly to the transmission dynamics of the disease, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors that influence disease prevalence and transmission (Sady et al., 2017).
Research conducted by Amuta et al. (2016) emphasized the role of environmental factors, particularly the presence of suitable freshwater bodies contaminated with cercariae, in perpetuating transmission cycles within local communities. The lifecycle of Schistosoma haematobium involves freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus, which are abundant in the water bodies frequented by residents of Darusalam. These water bodies serve as breeding grounds for snails and hotspots for human exposure to infective larvae (Mirisho et al., 2019). The prevalence of schistosomiasis in endemic areas like Darusalam is influenced not only by environmental factors but also by socio-cultural practices such as domestic water use and occupational exposure to contaminated water sources (Adenowo et al., 2018).
Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of preventive chemotherapy programs, including mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel, in reducing the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis infections among school-aged children in Niger State (Mafiana et al., 2020). However, challenges remain in achieving sustainable control measures due to issues such as drug resistance, inadequate coverage of at-risk populations, and the persistence of transmission reservoirs in endemic communities (Akinwale et al., 2017). These challenges underscore the need for targeted surveillance and intervention strategies tailored to local epidemiological contexts, such as the Darusalam area in Minna.
Furthermore, advancements in diagnostic techniques, including the use of molecular tools for detecting Schistosoma haematobium DNA in environmental samples and human urine, have provided new insights into the transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of the parasite within endemic regions (Stothard et al., 2018). Such molecular epidemiological studies have contributed to our understanding of parasite population structures and the factors influencing the spread of drug-resistant strains in schistosomiasis-endemic areas (Kittur et al., 2019).
1.2 Statement of the problem
Schistosomiasis, caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium, remains a significant public health concern in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger State, Nigeria. The Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State, has been identified as a hotspot for schistosomiasis transmission, primarily due to factors such as its proximity to water bodies and inadequate sanitation facilities. Despite various control efforts, the prevalence and burden of S. haematobium infections persist, affecting the health and well-being of the local population. The lack of recent comprehensive epidemiological studies focusing specifically on Darusalam necessitates an updated investigation into the current prevalence rates, distribution patterns, and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis in this specific locality. Such research is crucial for informing targeted intervention strategies, improving disease management, and ultimately reducing the disease's impact on the community's health. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the prevalence of schistosoma heamatobium among people living in Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State.
1.3 Objective of the study
- To assess the prevalence rate of Schistosoma haematobium infections among the population in Darusalam area, Minna, Niger State.
- To identify the socio-demographic factors that are associated with a higher prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections in the study population.
- To identify the environmental factors that contribute to the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium in Darusalam area.
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the prevalence rate of Schistosoma haematobium infections among the residents of Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State?
- What socio-demographic factors are associated with a higher prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections in the study population?
- What environmental factors contribute to the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium in Darusalam area?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): The prevalence rate of schistosoma heamatobium among people living in Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State is low.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The prevalence rate of schistosoma heamatobium among people living in Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State is high.
1.6 Significance of the study
Public Health Impact: Understanding the prevalence of schistosoma haematobium in Darusalam area, Minna, Niger State, is crucial for public health interventions. This knowledge can guide local health authorities in implementing targeted control measures such as mass drug administration and health education programs to reduce transmission rates.
Local Health Policy: The study provides empirical data that can influence health policies at the local level in Niger State. By identifying high-risk areas and vulnerable populations, policymakers can allocate resources effectively to mitigate the impact of schistosomiasis and improve health outcomes in the community.
Community Awareness and Education: Research findings can raise awareness among residents of Darusalam area about the risks associated with schistosomiasis and the importance of preventive measures such as safe water practices and sanitation. This can empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from infection.
Research Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on schistosomiasis epidemiology, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas like Darusalam. It adds to the existing literature by providing local prevalence data, which can be compared with studies from other regions to identify regional variations and trends in schistosomiasis prevalence.
Baseline for Intervention: Establishing the prevalence of schistosoma haematobium serves as a baseline for future studies and monitoring efforts. Longitudinal studies can track changes in prevalence rates over time, evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs, and assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on disease transmission dynamics in the area.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the prevalence rate of Schistosoma haematobium infections among the population in Darusalam area, Minna, Niger State, identify the socio-demographic factors that are associated with a higher prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections in the study population, and identify the environmental factors that contribute to the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium in Darusalam area. Hence health practitioners in Darusalam area in Minna, Niger State shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Schistosoma haematobium: A parasitic flatworm (blood fluke) that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. It primarily infects the urinary tract and is transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater harboring infective larvae (cercariae).
Prevalence: The proportion of a population found to have a condition (schistosoma haematobium infection) at a specific point in time. It is usually expressed as a percentage or a rate.
Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (such as diseases) in specified populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems.
Public Health Interventions: Actions or measures designed to improve health outcomes at the population level. In the context of schistosomiasis, interventions may include treatment programs, sanitation improvements, health education, and vector control to reduce disease transmission.
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