Soil transmitted helminths among school aged children in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminths (STH) are major public health problem affecting the growth of children. 360 stool samples were collected and analyzed using Formol-ether concentration technique. Daksiri Primary School had the highest prevalence with 22(6.11 %), while the least was Uba Primary School with 13(3.61 %). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in STH among schools. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence with 52(14.44 %), followed by Trichuris trichiura with 28(7.78 %), while the least was hookworm 18(5.00 %). In relation to sex, males had the higher prevalence 56(15.56 %) than females with 42(11.67 %). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between infection and sex. In relation to age group, the age groups 7 – 9 years had the highest prevalence of 42(11.67 %), while 3 – 6 years had the least prevalence with 23(6.39 %). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in relation to STH by age groups. Those whose parents are civil servants had the least prevalence of 16(4.44 %), while those whose parents are farmers had the highest prevalence of 58(16.11 %). There was no significant difference on parents occupation at (p>0.05). Children, who used water closet system, had the least prevalence of 18(5.00 %), while those who used pit toilet recorded highest prevalence of 51(14.17 %). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between infection and methods of stool disposal. There is need to promote child health, through health education, personal hygiene. Deworming should be sustained as control against outbreak of soil transmitted helminthes among school aged children.