Schistosomiasis Risk-Behaviours among Primary School Pupils and AlternativeMedicine Therapy in Endemic Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria which continues to plague inhabitants of rural and peri-urban areas. This study assessed schistosomiasis risk-behaviour among primary school pupilsand alternative medicine therapy in endemic areas of Ogun state. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Thesample consisted of 600 pupils, 40 Health of icers and 30 traditional medicine practitioners. Datawerecollected using standardized questionnaires. A large proportion (53.04%) of participants engages in unhealthylifestyle that promotes schistosomiasis infection in the areas. Herbs used in the treatment of Schistosomiasis inthe areas include, Cassia obtusifolia, Kigelia africana, Momordica charantia and Anthocleista djalonensis. Phytochemical analysis of the herbs indicated seven active ingredients with Phytate being of highest proportion. Unhealthy cultural behaviours of the pupils account for the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the areas. Therefore advocacy programmes on the need to adopt healthy lifestyle by young ones should be enforced.