RISK FACTORS AND INFECTION RATES OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY PUPILS IN AGASSA

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among 136 junior secondary school students in Agassa, Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State. Overall, 13.2% of students tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium infection (n = 18). The highest prevalence of 21.5% was observed among J.S.S. 1 male students, while the lowest prevalence of 6.3% occurred in J.S.S. 3 female students. Males exhibited a higher infection rate (17.1%) compared to females (7.4%). Age-specific analysis indicated that students aged 10–12 years had the highest prevalence (19.6%), whereas those aged 16–18 years had the lowest (4.7%). These findings indicate a notable burden of urinary schistosomiasis in the community, particularly among younger boys who may have increased exposure to infected water sources such as Ekuku River. Targeted health education for students and community members is recommended to raise awareness, reduce risky water contact, and control disease transmission.