Prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis among fishing communities in north central Nigeria

Abstract

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is an emerging public health concern linked to Schistosoma haematobium infection acquired through skin contact with contaminated freshwater. This study assessed the prevalence of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) in three fishing communities; Echewu, Gbobe, and Shintakwu in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State. The prevalence of FGS infection was generally high across the three communities Echewu (12.3%), Gbobe (9.6%) and Shintakwu (16.4%). FGS self-reported symptoms included blood in urine, vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful intercourse. Participants aged 14–19 years had the highest occurrence of blood in urine (9.5%), while those aged 20–49 years had the highest occurrence of genital itching (8.2%) and 10.9% of the participants in the latter age group also reported the highest occurrence of painful intercourse. Risk factors identified were water contact and proximity to water bodies. Fifty-seven per cent (57.2%) of infected individuals lived ≤ 100m from rivers, while 42.8% lived farther away. Among water activities, washing and swimming carried the highest FGS infection risks, at 39.2% and 25.0% respectively.The most frequently identified pathologies of FGS were vaginal discharge (21.2%), pre-contact bleeding (17.8%), rubbery papules (1.3%), grainy sandy patches (4%), and abnormal blood vessels (8.2%). Vaginal discharge and abnormal blood vessels were significantly recorded across all age categories. The findings reveal FGS prevalence in the study area, emphasizing the necessity for routine Praziquantel treatment among school-aged children, adolescent girls, and reproductive-age women in Bassa LGA. Additionally, enhancing access to affordable diagnostic services is crucial for early detection and proper management of FGS.