Geo-helminth infections among school children in Ovbiogie and environ, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Helminthiases are regarded as important public health problem in tropical Africa. This study conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 evaluated the helminths status of consented 372 pre-school and school-age (4 – 14years) children from three primary schools in Ovbiogie, Oluku and Ekiadolor community, Ovia NorthEast Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic data and Kato Katz techniques used for laboratory analysis of the stool samples. The overall prevalence of infections was 34.1%, corresponding to 17.7% of Ascaris lumbricoides, 11.2% of hookworm and 5.1% of Trichuris trichiura. Males were more infected (35.1%) than females (33.1%). Age group 4 – 7 years had the highest prevalence of helminthes, while age 8-10years had the least prevalence. The commonest combination of helminthes observed was that of A. lumbricoides and hookworm with rate of 2.4%. Parents occupation notably farming (with the highest mean intensity of 145.3 ± 53.9) greatly influence helminthiasis in the study area. Open defecation (12.3%) was significantly associated with hookworm infection. Mean intensity for A. lumbricoides (131.2 ± 49.5) and hookworm (80.0 ± 38.5 epg) infections was higher in females than males. The mean intensities of infections varied among the different age groups (P<0.05). The highest mean intensity for A. lumbricoides (137 ± 78.3 epg),  ookworm (73.6 ± 27.9 epg) and T. trichiura (57.6 ± 21.4epg) was among pupils who used pit latrines. This study has demonstrated that helminthiasis is of public health importance among school age children in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. There is need for health education intervention, periodic deworming, adequate toilet facilities and adequate environmental sanitation for effective control.

Keywords: Helminthiasis, School Children, Edo State, Nigeria