Urinary Schistosomiasis and its Associated Risk Factors Among Inhabitants of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP)‎ Camps in Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria : a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract EN

were compared between respondents that tested positive and those that were negative for the infection using univariable statistical analysis and factors found to be significant were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

The results showed the overall prevalence of infection among the IDPs to be 21.9% (95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI= 19.54-24.42%).

The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the statistically significant (p<0.05) predictors of infection including sex, occupation (2 = 9.873, df=4, p=0.04), participation in water sporting activity and having washed/bathed in open water body before displacement, presence of signs of the disease in a tent/room member, knowledge of the disease and major source of water supply (2 = 72.467, df=2, p<0.001) before the displacement.

The relatively high prevalence of the disease in the study area may have negative effects on the reproduction and productivity of the IDPs.

Based on the identified risk factors, behavioural changes, improved sanitation and safe water supply were recommended as control measures against urinary schistosomiasis in the study area.