RESUMO
Human water contact patterns were studied in two resettlement communities at the Oyan Reservoir in south-west Nigeria in all four seasons in 1991 and 1992. Water contact was most intensive in the afternoon and in the hot dry season, but different types of activities exhibited different daily and seasonal patterns. Both communities were highly endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. However, knowledge regarding schistosomiasis transmission was very limited and the infection was, in spite of a very high frequency of blood in the urine, not considered a major public health problem. Most water contacts were of either a recreational (swimming, bathing) or economic (fishing) nature, and age- and sex-related patterns were evident. The overall level of exposure peaked in the 10-14 years age group but water contact of an economic nature peaked in the 20-39 years age group. Females had generally more water contact than males.
PIP: The establishment of the Oyan Reservoir in southwestern Nigeria in 1984 resulted in the relocation of people from 22 villages to Obaro and Abule-titun, on the bank of the reservoir. These 2 new villages, however, were not provided with adequate basic health care, water, and sanitation facilities. Conditions favorable for snail breeding, an influx of people from other areas, the location of the resettlement villages on the reservoir bank, intensive water contact, and an overall low environmental health status resulted in the introduction of urinary schistosomiasis. By 1988, the disease had reached epidemic proportion. Findings are presented from a study of human water contact patterns in Obaro and Abule-titun in all 4 seasons of 1991 and 1992. Water contact was most intensive during the afternoon and in the hot, dry season. However, different types of activities exhibited different daily and seasonal patterns, and both communities were highly endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. Knowledge regarding schistosomiasis transmission was very limited and infection was not considered to be a major public health problem. Most water contacts occurred either for recreational or economic ends, and age- and sex-related patterns were evident. The overall level of exposure was highest among people aged 10-14 years, although water contact for economic reasons was highest among people 20-39 years old. Females generally had more contact with water than did men.
