The Prevalence of Trichuris trichiura Infection among Primary School Pupils in Dantube, Dawakin-Kudu Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of whipworm infection (Trichuris trichiura) among primary school pupils in Dantube, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, between August 2015 to January 2016, was studied. Of the 400 samples collected and examined, 101 (34.83%) were positive for single or multiple infections. The prevalence of the infection was significantly higher among males (75.25%, p-value 0.138) than females (24.75%, p-value 0.156) (p < 0.05). Children in the age group 4–6 years had the highest prevalence (43.66%) of whipworm infection, while those between the ages of 13–15 years had the least infection (6.25%). Children who defecate in the bush were more likely to be infected than those who use modern toilet facilities (R = 0.6). Analysis of responses from the questionnaire showed that parents’ occupation as civil servants (odds ratio = 4.381) and business owners (odds ratio = 3.147) had a strong relationship with the prevalence of the disease in the research area. Walking barefoot (odds ratio = 2.142), especially in areas where the soil remains damp and moist throughout the year, increased the risk of infection. Handwashing activities (odds ratio = 3.71) also had a statistically significant effect on the prevalence of the infection. Personal hygiene and public health enlightenment programs should be encouraged, particularly among school-aged children in the research area.