Articles
| Open Access |
https://doi.org/10.55640/
HIDDEN DANGERS UNVEILED: SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Musa Ahmad , Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State, NigeriaAbstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, remains a pervasive public health challenge in many regions, including Northern Nigeria. This study aims to unveil the hidden dangers by investigating the prevalence and identifying risk factors associated with schistosomiasis among school-aged children in this region. A comprehensive cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving a large sample of children from various schools. Diagnostic methods, including parasitological and clinical assessments, were employed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was administered to gather data on potential risk factors. The findings not only reveal the extent of schistosomiasis prevalence but also shed light on the multifaceted risk factors influencing its transmission in the local context. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies and advancing public health efforts to combat schistosomiasis in Northern Nigeria.
Keywords
Schistosomiasis, school-aged children, prevalence
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