Clinical Manifestations of Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Zamfarawa Community of Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Female genital schistosomiasis is an emerging gynaecological disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of genital symptoms and clinical findings of female genital schistosomiasis among girls and women in Zamfarawa community in northeastern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 girls and women selected using multistage sampling technique. They were interviewed using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Urine samples were collected for microscopy while consented women with positive urine tests underwent colposcopy. Data were analyzed at the univariate level using SPSS version 26. Results: One hundred and fourteen (54.0%) respondents were girls 12-14 years of age and 97(46.0%) were women aged 15 years and above. Seven (3.3%) of the participants practiced open defecation while 56(73.5%) did not have access to safe water. Of the 211 respondents, 180(85.3%) reported symptoms of female genital schistosomiasis such as vaginal itching/burning sensation; 62(34.4%), vaginal discharge; 49(27.2%), pain during sex; 20(20.0%), genital ulcers; 21(11.7%) and spotting/bleeding during sex; 12(6.7%). Out of 211 urine specimens collected for urine microscopy, 12(5.7 %,) had eggs of S. haematobium (3 girls and 9 women). Among the 9 women with positive urine test who consented to undergo colposcopy, 3(33.3%) had rubbery papules, 2(22.2%) had homogeneous yellow grainy sandy patches, 2(22.2%) had grainy sandy patches while 1(11.1%) each had abnormal blood vessels and contact bleeding. The prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis using colposcopic features among women aged 15 years and above was 9.3%. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis in Zamfarawa community of Gombe State.