Urinary Schistosomiasis and Haematuria Among Secondary School Students in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is hyperendemic in several states of Northwest Nigeria, with schoolchildren bearing a disproportionate burden of infection and morbidity. This study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated haematuria among secondary school students in Zamfara State. A total of 300 urine samples were collected at peak egg-excretion time (10:00 to 14:00 hours) from students in three local government areas. Samples were filtered using Nucleopore membranes and eggs counted per 10 millilitres of urine. Haematuria was assessed using urine dipstick reagent strips. The overall infection prevalence was 45.3 percent, with male students recording significantly higher rates. Haematuria was present in 78.4 percent of infected students. Heavy-intensity infections were concentrated in communities with direct dependence on river water for domestic and recreational purposes. Students reported low awareness of the transmission route and no prior access to preventive chemotherapy. The study recommends integration of school-based praziquantel treatment with schistosomiasis health education in the state school health programme, and advocates for inter-sectoral collaboration between health and education authorities. Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, haematuria, secondary school students, Zamfara State, preventive chemotherapy.