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Prevalence and distribution of geo-helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among school-going children in Nyeri county, Kenya
Antony Muthee
Mary Gitahi
Rael Musili
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine how common and widespread geo-helminths, STH, and intestinal protozoa infections are in the Mathira constituency of Nyeri County, Kenya. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of geohelminths and intestinal protozoa, as well as the distribution of STH and intestinal protozoa infections in school-going children. Cochran formulae guided the design of a cross-sectional study on a population of 174 children, yielding complete data for 164 of them. The social determinants of the health model guided this study. A structured questionnaire was applied to data collection to establish the demographic characteristics of the study participants in the identified three primary schools in the study site. They were examined for STH and protozoa infections by the quantitative Kato-Katz technique for STH and formal ether concentration techniques for intestinal protozoa infection. Statistical analysis was done using R Studio and the risk ratio. Findings showed that of the 56 samples examined in Kihuro primary school, 12 (21.4%) and 6 (10.7%) were positive for protozoan and STH infections. Similarly, 33% of the children in Gathuini primary school were found to be positive for protozoan infections, while 13% were infected with STH. In Gikumbo primary school, 20.4% of the children were infected with protozoan parasites, compared to 13% of STH infections. However, there was a variation in infection prevalence based on gender across the three selected sites. Children in Kihuro primary school were 0.12 times more at risk of STH infection compared to 0.3 times more at risk of protozoa infections. The intestinal protozoa infection was higher than that for the geohelminths infection in Gathuini primary school. Children in Gathuini primary school were 0.12 times more at risk of STH infection compared to 0.46 times more at risk of protozoa infections. Children in Gikumbo primary school were 0.1 times at risk of STH infection compared to 0.26 times at risk of protozoa infections, implying that they were more prone to protozoan infections than STH infections. The study concluded that the age and gender of students had no statistical significance. The study recommended that government institutions and non-governmental organizations should intervene and undertake adequate control measures against geo-helminth parasites by making sure there is access to safe water and improved sanitation in the area. Moreover, health education programs should be intensified in the area and beyond to raise awareness of geo-helminths and intestinal protozoa infection, means of transmission and control measures, and the improvement of hygiene practices for both children and parents.
