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Prevalence of Parasitic Infections among Students in a Large Rural Community Secondary School in Esssien Udim L. G. A. of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was investigated in a large
community secondary school in the rural community of Essien Udim Local
Government Area. Faecal specimens were collected from 400 students,
randomly selected from the school and examined microscopically for the
presence of intestinal parasites. Direct wet smear and formol-ether
concentration techniques were applied in the examination of the stool
specimens. Of the 400 specimens examined, 143 (13.35%), were positive for parasites. The prevalence of parasites found were as follows: Ascaris sp 50 (12.50%), Trichuris 37 (9.25%), Hookworm 27 (6.75%), Enterobius sp 11 (2.75), Hymenolepis sp 13 (3.25%), Taenia sp 5 (1.25%). Male students had higher, 84 (21.00%) prevalence than females, 59 (14.75%). Males in the 12-14 and 15-17 age groups and females in the 15-17 years age group were the most infected. More females have infections than males. The differences between male and female infections was significant at p>0.05. The general effects of the parasites on the infected students was constant absenteeism reduced mental ability, general weakness resulting in low grades in school examinations. Health education conducted included advice on the provision of modern toilet facilities and borehole water in the study area and immediate surrounding communities.
community secondary school in the rural community of Essien Udim Local
Government Area. Faecal specimens were collected from 400 students,
randomly selected from the school and examined microscopically for the
presence of intestinal parasites. Direct wet smear and formol-ether
concentration techniques were applied in the examination of the stool
specimens. Of the 400 specimens examined, 143 (13.35%), were positive for parasites. The prevalence of parasites found were as follows: Ascaris sp 50 (12.50%), Trichuris 37 (9.25%), Hookworm 27 (6.75%), Enterobius sp 11 (2.75), Hymenolepis sp 13 (3.25%), Taenia sp 5 (1.25%). Male students had higher, 84 (21.00%) prevalence than females, 59 (14.75%). Males in the 12-14 and 15-17 age groups and females in the 15-17 years age group were the most infected. More females have infections than males. The differences between male and female infections was significant at p>0.05. The general effects of the parasites on the infected students was constant absenteeism reduced mental ability, general weakness resulting in low grades in school examinations. Health education conducted included advice on the provision of modern toilet facilities and borehole water in the study area and immediate surrounding communities.
