Intestinal parasitic infection associated with risk factors among school aged children in Girei, Adamawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

Infections with Intestinal helminths have long been recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. School-aged children are known to be particularly susceptible to illness caused by these pathogens. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Intestinal helminthes among school-aged children in Girei Local Government Area. From January to February 2021, 384 randomly selected primary school children within the ages of 5 to 14 years from six primary schools participated in a cross-sectional survey primary school children within the ages of 5 to 14 years from six primary schools participated in a cross-sectional survey, A systematic questionnaire was designed and used to collect data on risk factors related to Intestinal parasitic infections from the children's caregivers. The Smear Method was used to analyse the stool samples. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Of the total 384 samples examined, helminths were found in 47.7% (183/384) of the cases. Others include: Ascaris lumbricoides 39.3%, hookworm in 30.6 %, Trichuris trichiura in 20.2% and coinfection 9.8 %. The severity of the infection ranged from mild to moderate. Failing to wash hands before eating (0.035, P<0.05), failure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating (0.04329; P<0.005), type of toilets used (0.00328; P<0.005), and the presence of faeces around home environment (0.00419; P<0.005) and not wearing of footwear (0.01529; P>0.005) were all significant risk factors for the infections. To eliminate Intestinal helminths in the area, preventive chemotherapy and adequate sanitation measures should be promoted.