Background: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting school-aged children due to environmental exposure and limited access to safe water. Schistosoma haematobium infection, a leading cause of urogenital schistosomiasis, is perpetuated by water-contact behaviors and poor sanitation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection and identify associated risk factors among school-aged children in Tiko, Cameroon.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Primary School Likomba. Participants (n=288; 56% male, 44% female; mean age 11.4 years) provided socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data via structured questionnaires. Urine samples were analyzed microscopically for S. haematobium eggs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess risk factors, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 20.83% (60/288). Key risk factors included frequent bathing in streams (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=18.71;; p<0.001), performing domestic chores in streams (aOR=5.64; p<0.001), drinking untreated stream water (aOR=3.85; p=0.002), open defecation in streams (p<0.001), and limited knowledge of schistosomiasis transmission (p<0.001).
Conclusion: High exposure to contaminated water sources and inadequate health literacy significantly drive S. haematobium transmission in this population. Targeted interventions—including community health education, improved access to safe water, and school-based deworming programs—are urgently needed to mitigate infection risks. These findings underscore the critical role of integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in schistosomiasis control in endemic regions.