Determination of Urogenital Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Selected Health Centers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a debilitating diseases of the poor caused by parasitic blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma affecting women and children in the tropics and subtropics especially in sub-Saharan Africa. There is dearth of information on the prevalence of the disease among pregnant mothers in some localities in Ebonyi state. This study investigated the urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among pregnant mothers in selected health centers in Ezza north of Ebonyi state. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 250 pregnant women on antenatal clinic visits in five health centers in Ezza north of Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. Urine microscopic was done for egg determination while demographic and associated risk factors were determined using a pretested questionnaire. The result showed an over all prevalence of 19.6%. Prevalence varied among communities, but more in Oshiegbe with 14 (22.58%) infections and least in Nkomoro (15.79%). The highest mean intensity of Schistosoma haematobium egg was found among expectant mothers within 15-20 years old and was highest in Oshiegbe Community while the least was found among pregnant mothers aged 36-40 years old in Ndufu Umuezekoha community. Haematuria and proteinuria also varied from community to community. The highest hematuria prevalence was found among 15-20 years old. Proteinuria was highest among 31-35 years old. Education, family size and marital status were associated with proportion of infection (p<0.05). There was also association between proportion of infection and occupation (p=0.0012). The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis at 19.6% is relatively high among pregnant mothers. Treatment and regular surveillance are recommended.