Prevalence of geohelminthes in school children in some parts of Lokoja, Kogi state, north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Geohelminthes are soil transmitted parasites and a major public health challenge in children, particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where sanitary conditions are poor. A study to determine the prevalence of geohelminthes infections among school children in parts of Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State was carried out. Stool specimens were collected from 254 school children in two primary schools and examined using standard concentration method. School children were randomly selected for the study. The overall prevalence of geohelminthes recorded was 58.30%. Five Geohelminthes were observed in order of prevalence; Fasciola spp (33.10%), Trichiuris trichiura (24.30%), Ascaris lumbricoides (21.60%), Hookworm (18.20%) and Enterobius vermicularis (2.70%). The prevalence rate in males was higher (37.80%) than that of the females (20.50%) and statistics significantly different (χ2 = 3.841, p<0.05). The public school showed the highest infection rate (73.60%), while the private school assumed the least prevalence of (42.40%). Chi-square analysis showed a significant difference in the infection among the schools (χ2 = 3.841, p<0.05). Based on these findings, mass treatment of school children, health education campaign, improved sanitary condition, provision of toilet facilities and personal hygiene were recommended as control and prevention measures.

Keywords: Prevalence, Geohelminthes infection, Lokoja, Kogi State.