Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection among primary school pupils in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was evaluated to determine the present pervasiveness of gastrointestinal intestinal parasites among school-aged children in  Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out to relate the ambiguity among the different participants to gastrointestinal infections in relation to sexes, ages and their sociodemographic status. The investigation was carried out in 10 randomly selected primary  schools (5 public and 5 private). Four hundred samples (comprises of 212 male and 188 female) were collected and examined for  the presence of parasites. The ages of the participants ranged from 5-14 years, were examined microscopically by using direct smear  methods. Out of the 400 participants inspected 149 (37.25%) were found positive for some gastrointestinal intestinal parasites. 10 species  of intestinal parasites were came in contact with. Hookworm infection recorded the highest prevalence (10.50%) followed by Fasiola  hepatica (6:00%). Trichuris trichuira, recorded the least prevalence (1%). In the four different age groups, pupils of group 10-12 proved to  have higher prevalence than any other group investigated. The environmental factors are also considered as the major risk factors associated with infection intensity of gastrointestinal intestinal parasitic infections. The result showed water source, occupational status,  toilet system used by the participants determine their health status in relation GIPs. The result showed high prevalence in individuals  using river water (62.96%) for their domestic chores than any other source. The study indicated that intestinal parasites were prevalent in  the study area, and for this reason, control measures, such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities, portable drinking  water, improved personal hygiene and health education should be the focus of community, government and non-governmental  organizations.