The Prevalence of Ascaris And Hookworm Infections Among School Children in Obehie, Ukwa – West Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Parasitic worm infections have been of great concern to man, most especially in developing countries. As a result, research activities to enlighten people about the infections, looking for ways of controlling and reducing the infections or curative measures to combat the diseases continue to be a major concern. The prevention of these worm infections improves health care, work efficiency and economic productivity. In the study of the prevalence of Ascaris and hookworm infections among school children in Obehie, Ukwa-West L.G.A of Abia State, a total of 200 samples were examined using saline and iodine wet mount and Brine floatation method. Among the 200 people examined, 41(20.5%) samples were positive for Ascaris and hookworm infections. Out of the positive samples,
35(17.5%) were cases of Ascaris while 6(3.0%) were cases of hookworm infestation. Only ova of Ascaris and hookworm were found in a single infection. There was a higher infection in male 23(25.0%) than in the female 18(16.7%). However, there was significant difference (p<0.05) observed. Students between the ages of 11 and 15 years had higher prevalence of 30(21.9%) while those between the ages of 6 and 10 had the least of 11(17.5%). The result based on age also showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05).

Key Words: Ascaris, Hookworm, Ova, Parasitic worm, Children.