Intestinal helminth infections among primary school pupils in Ekwulumili Community, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among primary school pupils in Ekwulumili Community, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, between April and July 2012. Five primary schools were involved in the study namely, Bethel Nursery and Primary School, Ekwulumili Central School, Owellechukwu Central School, Regina Caeli Nursery and Primary School and Unity Primary School.Stool samples of 167 pupils were examined using the direct smear and saturated sodium chloride flotation methods. Prevalence of intestinal helminthe among the schools was significant p<0.05. Of the 167 pupils examined, 17 (10.18%) harboured intestinal helminths, Regina Caeli Nursery and Primary School had the highest number of infections, 10 (16.39%) and Ekwulumili Central School had the lowest 1 (4.17). Intestinal helminths observed were Ascaris lumbricoides 11 (64.7%) and kookworm 6 (35.29%). Females were significantly more infected 10 (58.82%) than the males 7 (41.18%) (p<0.05). Several predisposing factors to worm infection like the absence of toilet facilities at home and schools, inadequate drinking water sources and poor hygienic attitude of the pupils were observed. Children exposed to various predisposing factors were significantly infected with intestinal worms (p<0.05). Health education, improved environmental sanitation, improved personal hygiene of the pupils, clean water supplies were recommended to improve the health of the pupils.

Keywords: Intestinal helminth; school pupils; hygiene