Authors
U F Ekpo2; O M Odeyemi2; H Mogaji2; A S Oluwole2; H O Abdussalam1; 1 Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria; 2 Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria Discussion
Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is an emerging public health problem for female living in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic areas. The disease has been associated with vaginal itching and discharge, infertility, menstrual disorders and painful sexual intercourse. A study was conducted in 4 Schistosoma haematobium endemic communities of Abule-titun, Imala-Odo, Apojola and Ibaro in Abeokuta to investigate the occurrence of FGS and its associated risk factors among female (age range 5-49 years). Out of 317 females examined, 149 (47.0%) had ova of S. haematobium in their urine. Prevalence 121 (64.7%) and intensity of infection (1.0659±0.1251) were significantly (p <0.05) higher in young girls (aged 5-15 years) than their older counterparts. Full gynaecological examination of 20 participants identified 14 (70.0%) cases of FGS. Gynaecological morbidity observed were 71.4% with grainy-sandy patches, 42.9% with yellow sandy patches, 7.1% with nabothian cysts and rubbery papules in their vaginal and cervical wall respectively. Bathing (92.7%), fetching (52.4%), fishing (93.4%) and washing clothes (96.5%) at the dam were the reported risk factors predisposing them to S. haematobium infection. 
