Prevalence of helminthiasis among school children in some rural communities of Abia state, Nigeria

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 sociodemographic 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.

Keywords: Soil transmitted helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, Infection, Prevalence, Environment