Preliminary Study on Human Host Factors Perpetuating the Transmission of Schistosomiasis in Endemic Community of Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the human host factors that contribute to the perpetuation of schistosomiasis transmission in endemic communities of Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria.

Methods: Information was derived from structured questionnaires supplemented with oral interviews, on perception of the community on the cause of urogenital schistosomiasis, using self-reported macrohaematuria, as the disease proxy, water-use practices, riverside urination and defaecation, and the choice for treatment of schistosome infection.

Results: Out of 139 study participants, the perceived causes of gross haematuria by the respondents were Excessive Salt Intake (41.73%); Scorching Sun (20.86%); Unknown (17.27%); Infection (10.07%); Supernatural Force (5.86%) and Water Contact (4.32%). The respondents with self-reported terminal haematuria were 49.64%; riverine water contact 75.54% and riverside contamination 65.41%. Of the 72.46% of the respondents with gross haematuria who attempted for medication only 8.0% visited health facilities, while majority relied on traditional herbalists (39.13%) and roadside medicine stores (20.29%) for treatment. There was a strong association between riverine water contact and terminal haematuria (Odds Ratio: 6.09, 95% CI, 2.825-13.131, P<0.0001; Relative Risk: 2.737, 95% CI, 1.664-4.502, P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Exposure to contaminated water as a result of socioeconomic activities, riverside, poor perception on the cause of the disease and lack of adherence to orthodox treatment of positive cases are the key promoters of schistosomiasis transmission in the study area. Excessive salt intake and scorching sun are the major perceived causes of haematuria among the study participants. This underpins the need for health education and other efficacious interventions for community awareness on the disease etiology which is central to effective elimination campaign.