GENDER RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN KWALL DISTRICT, BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

with some risk factors usually related to water contact activities in the area. A study to determine the gender risk factors associated with schistosomiasis infection in Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau state, Nigeria was conducted. Urine and stool samples were collected from 350 inhabitants in the area and processed using the concentration methods. Information on watercontact activities of the participants were obtained by direct observation. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis in the area was 21.2%, dominated by females (22.8%) than males (19.6%). Three highrisk water contact activities were identified in this study: Agriculture (24.3%), recreation (21.7%) and domestic (20.2%). Two other factors: construction (18.7%) and other non-specific water functions (12.5%) were low-risk water contact activities in the area. The prevalence of schistosomiasis showed statistical significance between these the high-risk water contact activities in both age and gender of the participants (P<0.05). Treatment intervention through Mass Medicine Administration (MMA) using praziquantel for high risk group is recommended for the communities.