Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthes among Primary School Pupils in Owerri West Local Government Area in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes in primary school pupils in relation to the type of toilet facilities, source of water, sex, age group as well as parental occupation was carried out in Owerri west local government area of Imo state between April 2008 and August 2009. A total of 745 stool samples collected from twelve schools were examined using standard parasitological procedures as well as structured questionnaire for collection of other relevant data. Out of the 745 stool sample collected, 35.43% were infected with either one or two of soil transmitted helminthes represented thus:79.17% Ascaris lumbricoides, 32.95% Hookworm and 4.55% Trichuris trichuria. There were prevalence variations among schools and mixed infections involving Ascaris and Hookworm, 15.15%, Ascaris and Trichuris,1.89% and that between Hookworm and Trichuris, 0.39%. Male were slightly more infected than the female pupils (P<0.05) while age group 10-12 had highest infection of 37.5%. Those who defecate in the bush had the highest infection rate of 37.89%, those that use water closet had the least infection of 33.12% while 85% of those who use stream as their main source of water were infected. Those whose parents are artesian were more infected,40%)than the others. Generally, poor personal, environmental hygiene and lack of essential amenities had been attributed to the prevalence of the parasites, transmission and spread in the area. The prevalence level of 35.43% is worrisome; hence morbidity and or mortality rate could be reduced by improving on personal and environmental hygiene, provision of essential amenities and massive education of the people on the danger of the disease.

Keywords: soil transmitted helminthes, pupils and poor hygiene

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 37-43