Prevalence of helminthiasis among school children in some rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria
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Date
2013
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Publisher
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are known to be endemic in developing tropical
countries. A study on the prevalence and risk factors associated with STHs infections
among children in three selected primary schools in Ukwa East Local Government Area of
Abia State was undertaken between February and July, 2012. The stool samples collected
from 338 children aged 5 – 13 years in the three primary schools were analyzed using
direct normal saline and formal-ether concentration technique for the presence of STHs.
Closed ended pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data on socio demographic and personal health habits associated with STHs. Three different helminths
were observed. These included Ascaris lumbricoides (8.2%), hookworm (5.1%) and
Trichuris trichiura (3.9%). Multiple infections were however observed in individuals. Of
the 338 stool samples examined, 256 were infected giving a prevalence of 75.7%. The
prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males than females in age group 5 – 7
years. A. lumbricoides was the most encountered parasites in the study, while Central
Primary School, Obohia recorded the highest prevalence (90.2%) of infection in the three
schools sampled. The month of July (peak of the rainy season) recorded the highest
prevalence rate (92.9%). Those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places
had the highest infection of 89.9%, while those that had water closet had the least
infection of 40.5%. Those that used wells and streams as main source of water had an
infection of 96.9%. Inadequate basic social amenities have contributed to the spread of
parasite in the area. Government should make available the much needed amenities to
the populace to alleviate the spread of the diseases in the study area and should also
create public awareness on the dangers of the disease.
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Keywords
Soil transmitted helminthes, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, Environment
Citation
Prevalence, Helminthiasis, School children, Abia