Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) in the assessment of human water contact patterns in relation to schistosomiasis infection in five rural communities in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of human water contact patterns in relation to schistosomiasis infection was carried out in five rural communities around Erinle/ Owalla Reservior,Osun State in South West Nigeria. Six sites were surveyed for two sessions between May 2008 – June 2010. Coordinates of relevant sampling points were located and plotted in a Geographic Information System (using Archview 3.20 GIS software). A base map of the study area was generated using Landsat ETM + and LandsatTM (1986) imagery. Human water contact points were overlaid on the base map produced from the generated map. The highest water contact was recorded among 12 – 13 age bracket, which was also the age group that had the highest intensity of infection, before decreasing to lower stables. The intensity was higher among children involved in bathing and washing clothes than those carrying out other activities. This age and activity- related exposure in Oba- Ile, Oba- Oke, Ilie, Ore and Eko- Ende communities suggest that both age and exposures play important roles in the local transmission of the disease.