Knowledge, attitude and practices in relation to the prevalence of ascariasis among primary school children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. The knowledge, attitude, and practices related to the prevalence of ascariasis among primary school children in Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa Ibom State, were investigated. Two hundred sixteen faecal samples were examined for ascariasis. Data on socio-demographic and hygiene habits were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The formol-ether sedimentation concentration technique was used to diagnose the ascariasis. Chi-square at a 5 % level of significance was used in assessing the relationship between the prevalence of ascariasis and other variables. The overall prevalence of ascariasis among the pupils was 86.67 %. Prevalence of  ascariasis among schools was highest (91.67%) for Primary School, Ikot Ebak, while True Church Primary School, Mkpat Enin, had the lowest (75.00 %) prevalence (p > 0.05). Based on the age distribution, pupils aged 3–5 years had the highest prevalence of ascariasis (92.00 %), while pupils aged 6–9 years had the lowest (84.71 %) prevalence (p > 0.05). Males had a higher (72.22 %) prevalence of ascariasis than females (70.37 %) (p > 0.05). Pupils with good knowledge about ascariasis, positive attitudes towards ascariasis, and good hygienic practices were less infected. There were significant associations between the prevalence of infection and some of the variables of knowledge, attitude, and practices. The high prevalence of ascariasis in the study area could be reduced through health education on proper hygiene habits and regular de- worming exercises.