ABSTRACT
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia,
remains a major public health problem in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa,
including Nigeria. This study titled “The Effect of Schistosomiasis on Patients
Attending Birnin Kudu General Hospital” investigates the prevalence, causes,
and health impact of schistosomiasis among patients receiving treatment at the
hospital. The study aimed to identify the demographic characteristics of
affected individuals, assess the severity of infection, and examine its
socio-economic and health implications. A descriptive research design was
employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and medical
record reviews. The findings revealed that schistosomiasis is prevalent among
rural dwellers, particularly among farmers and children, due to poor
sanitation, unsafe water sources, and inadequate health education. The study
also found that infected patients commonly experience symptoms such as
hematuria, abdominal pain, and fatigue, which significantly affect their
productivity and quality of life. The research concludes that schistosomiasis
poses a serious health burden in Birnin Kudu, emphasizing the need for
effective public health interventions, including improved sanitation, health
education, and mass drug administration. Recommendations were made for
government agencies and health authorities to intensify awareness campaigns and
ensure regular screening in endemic areas.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Pages
Title
page…………………….……….………..…………………………………i
Approval
page………………….…….…….……………………….……………ii
Declaration
page………………..…………………………………….………..…iii
Certification………………………………………………………….…..………iv
Dedication………………………………..………….……………….……………v
Acknowledgement……………………………..………………….…………...…vi
Table of
content……………………..………………………………………..…vii
Abstract……………………………………………………..…………..………..ix
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - -1
1.2 Background of the Study - - - - - - - -1
1.3 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - -2
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study - - - - - - -3
1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - - - -3
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - - - -3
1.6 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - - -4
1.7 Definition of Key Terms - - - - - - - -4
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Literature Review - - - - - - - - -6
2.2
Global Burden and Epidemiology - - - - - - -6
2.3 Concept of Schistosomiasis - - - - - - - -8
2.4 Epidemiology of Schistosomiasis - - - - - - -9
2.5 Schistosomiasis and Public Health
Burden - - - - - -10
2.6 Control and Management of
Schistosomiasis - - - - -11
2.6.1 Chemotherapy (Treatment) - - - - - - - -12
2.6.2 Health Education - - - - - - - - -12
2.6.3 Environmental and Snail Control - - - - - - -12
2.6.4 Improved Sanitation and Safe
Water Supply - - - - -13
2.6.5 Surveillance and Monitoring - - - - - - - -13
2.6.6 Integrated Control Approach - - - - - - - -14
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - - - -15
3.2 Population of the Study - - - - - - - - -15
3.3 Sample Size and Sampling
Technique - - - - - -15
3.4 Method of Data Collection - - - - - - - -16
3.5 Data Collection Instruments - - - - - - - -16
3.6 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - - -16
3.7 Ethical Considerations - - - - - - - - -16
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics
of Respondents - - - -17
4.2 Knowledge and Awareness of
Schistosomiasis - - - - -19
4.3 Discussion of findings - - - - - - - - -18
4.4 Summary of Discussion - - - - - - - -28
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary - - - - - - - - - - -29
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - -29
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - - -30
References
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic
disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. It is
considered one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, affecting
millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is transmitted through
contact with freshwater bodies infested with the larval form of the parasite,
which penetrates the skin of humans. Once inside the body, the parasite
develops into adult worms that reside in blood vessels, causing chronic
inflammation, tissue damage, and long-term health complications. In Nigeria,
schistosomiasis poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in
rural communities with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water sources
(Colley, 2014).
1.2 Background
of the Study
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic
disease caused by blood flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. It
is one of the most significant neglected tropical diseases affecting millions
of people in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The
disease is transmitted through contact with freshwater infested with the larval
forms of the parasite, which are released by specific freshwater snails acting
as intermediate hosts. When humans come into contact with such contaminated
water—while bathing, swimming, fishing, or farming the larvae penetrate the
skin and develop into adult worms that inhabit the blood vessels. (Okoli, 2016).
Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by
schistosomiasis, with an estimated 20–30 million people at risk and about 10–15
million infected. Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate health
education contribute significantly to the transmission of the disease. In rural
areas such as Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State, people often rely on rivers, ponds,
and streams for daily water needs, thus increasing exposure to the parasite.
The effects of schistosomiasis on infected individuals are
both health-related and socio-economic. Clinically, the disease can cause
anemia, chronic fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and liver and spleen
enlargement. In severe cases, it can lead to bladder cancer, kidney failure,
and infertility. The chronic nature of the disease often reduces productivity
and quality of life, especially among school-aged children and agricultural
workers.
Birnin Kudu, located in Jigawa State, is an area where many
inhabitants depend on rivers, streams, and ponds for their daily water needs.
These water sources are often contaminated with the parasite, making residents
highly vulnerable to schistosomiasis infection. Patients attending Birnin Kudu
General Hospital often present with symptoms such as blood in urine, abdominal
pain, anemia, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage. The persistence of
schistosomiasis in the area has been linked to factors such as poor health
awareness, poverty, inadequate healthcare services, and cultural practices that
encourage frequent contact with infested waters. Therefore, studying the
effects of schistosomiasis on patients within this setting is vital for
improving health outcomes and guiding preventive measures.
1.3 Statement
of the Problem
Despite numerous interventions aimed at controlling
schistosomiasis in Nigeria, the disease remains highly endemic in many
communities. Birnin Kudu General Hospital continues to record cases of
schistosomiasis, especially among children and young adults who are more
exposed to contaminated water bodies. The disease contributes significantly to
morbidity, reduced productivity, and poor quality of life among patients.
Unfortunately, there is limited research focusing on the specific effects of
schistosomiasis on patients attending Birnin Kudu General Hospital. This
knowledge gap hinders the development of targeted health interventions and
policies that could reduce the burden of the disease in the area.
1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
1.4.1 Aim of
the study
The main Aim of this study is to assess the effects of
schistosomiasis on patients attending Birnin Kudu General Hospital.
1.4.2
Objectives of the study
1. Examine the socio-demographic
characteristics of patients affected by schistosomiasis.
2. Identify the common clinical
manifestations and complications associated with schistosomiasis among
patients.
3. Determine the impact of schistosomiasis
on the quality of life and productivity of affected individuals.
4. Suggest preventive and control
measures that could help reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Birnin Kudu.
1.4 Research
Questions
This study will be
guided by the following research questions:
1. What are the socio-demographic
characteristics of patients affected by schistosomiasis in Birnin Kudu General
Hospital?
2. What are the major symptoms and
complications associated with schistosomiasis among the patients?
3. How does schistosomiasis affect the
quality of life and productivity of patients?
4. What preventive and control
strategies can be recommended to reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis in
the study area?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is important because it will provide a deeper
understanding of the burden of schistosomiasis on patients in Birnin Kudu. The
findings will help healthcare workers identify the most pressing challenges
faced by affected individuals and provide evidence-based recommendations for
treatment and prevention. Policymakers and government health agencies will also
benefit from the study as it can inform the design of targeted interventions,
including mass drug administration, health education, and provision of safe
water facilities. Ultimately, the study will contribute to improving the health
and socio-economic well-being of people living in Birnin Kudu and similar
communities.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This research will focus on patients diagnosed with
schistosomiasis who are attending Birnin Kudu General Hospital. It will assess
the clinical, social, and economic effects of the disease on these patients.
The study will not extend to other diseases or hospitals outside Birnin Kudu.
However, its findings may be relevant to other communities with similar
environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Like many research studies, this work may encounter certain
limitations. These may include difficulty in obtaining accurate medical
records, limited cooperation from patients due to stigma, and financial or time
constraints that may restrict the sample size. Despite these challenges, every
effort will be made to ensure that the findings of this study are reliable,
valid, and useful for health planning and policy development.
1.7 Definition of Key Terms
Schistosomiasis: A parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma,
transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater.
Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a
particular disease at a given time.
Parasite: An organism that lives on or inside another organism (host) and benefits
at the host’s expense.
Infection: The invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms such as
bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Socio-economic Impact: The combined social and economic effects of a disease on an
individual or community.
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