KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF CAUSES OF GROSS HAEMATURIA AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF KWALKWALAWA RIVERINE SETTLEMENT OF SOKOTO

Blood in the urine is a common condition seen in people living around the riverine area which may result from bleeding anywhere along the urinary tract. Schistosomiasis is considered to be the commonest cause of haematuria among the inhabitants of riverine areas. Urinary schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people worldwide and poses a threat to 600 million in more than 76 countries (WHO, 1993). In Africa alone, about 192 million cases of schistosomiasis have been reported; with Nigeria ranking the highest (15% of cases) followed by the United Republic of Tanzania (about 10% of the cases) and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana with 7-8% each. A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among the inhabitants of Kwalkwalawa village in Wamakko local government Sokoto state, Nigeria.