Urinary Schistosomiasis in a Rice- Farming Community in Biase Area of Cross River State

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in a rice-farming community in Adim Village in Biase area of Cross River State. Urine samples were collected from 412 participants and examined using sedimentation method. Standardized questionnaires on the knowledge, attitude, perception, practices and beliefs associated with urinary schistosomiasis, in terms of blood in urine, were administered to the respondents. The prevalence of 42.2% was observed, with males having a higher prevalence of 54.0% than females, with 30.0%. Ricefarmers had prevalence of 60.2%, which was highest for all the occupational groups in the area, while the lowest prevalence of 16.6% was recorded for Artisans. Age group 11 – 20 years had highest prevalence of 52.0% while the lowest was 32.6% in the 41-50 years age group. In general, there was a poor understanding of the means of exposure, transmission, treatment and control of the disease. According to respondents, causes of blood in urine included exposure to sun (42%), drinking dirty water (40%) entering dirty water (18%). Out of the 412 respondents, 66.0% stated that haematuria was a sign of disease while 24.0% said it was venereal disease and 18.0% said that it was caused by witchcraft while 12.0% considered it as coming of age for the men. Most respondents (72.0%) thought that it was shameful to have blood in urine while 56.0% thought the disease could be cured using drugs and 32.0% said that it could be cured by traditional healers. The data indicates that there is a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the community and a poor knowledge of the disease and means of transmission. Health education is recommended along with provision of safe water and proper sanitation facilities for the community as a first step in eradication of the disease.Keywords: Urinary Schistosomiasis, Health Education, Cross River StateNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [2] September 2012, pp. 197-20