Sociodemographic and Economic Factors Associated with Urinary Bilharzia in the Municipalities of Sô-Ava, Aguegues and N’Dali in Benin

Introduction: This research, conducted in the municipalities of Aguégués, Sô-Ava, and N’dali in Benin, focused on identifying socio-demographic and economic factors associated with urinary bilharzia in 415 school-aged children from 8 to 14 years. Using urine test strips and filtration techniques, the study found prevalences ranging from 11.88% to 34.53% across the municipalities. Method: Epidemiological data (urine) were collected and examined with test strips to assess the presence of terminal haematuria: the prevalence of infestation and parasite density was quantified using the filtration technique. Socio-demographic and economic factors were recorded using a questionnaire to assess the correlation with disease. Results: Prevalences of 34.53% (N = 48 out of 139), 13.53% (N = 18 out of 133) and 11.88% (N = 17 out of 143) respectively for the municipalities of Aguégués, N’dali and Sô Ava were calculated. The study showed that the variables “age”, “sex”, “religion” and “socio-professional” activity were not significantly correlated with bilharziasis (p > 0.05) and it appears that these factors are not related to bilharziasis in the surveyed households. While age, sex, religion, and socio-professional activity showed no significant correlation with bilharziasis, factors like agriculture, fishing, and place of residence were statistically significant in relation to the disease. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these socio-demographic and economic factors impede the elimination of schistosomiasis in the examined areas.