---

Author(s): Cornelius Orjighjigh Ishar , Mulumba Ifeanyi Ikeh , Cornelius Orjighjigh Ishar, Okoro B.B, Okonkwo Victor Okechukwu, Obiageli Anthonia Okeke , Ifebunandu Okwudilichukwu Nnatuanya , Aboje Godwin Benedict .

Volume/Issue: Volume 7 , Issue 2 (2024)

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis in primary school children in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 172 faecal samples were collected and analyzed using Kato-Katz technique. Other pieces of information concerning demography were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and P˂0.05 were considered significant. Overall, 45 (26.16 %) of the samples were infected while 127 (73.84 %) were negative. Among the schools sampled, Community Primary School, Amowere recorded the highest infection prevalence of 58.18% while no infection was recorded in Umuoji Primary School, Ebenebe (0.00 %). In relation to class, pupils in class four were the most infected 12 (31.58 %) while class one children had the least prevalence 5 (12.19 %). Gender-wise, males recorded the highest prevalence of 28.43 % with female children having a lower prevalence of 22.86 %. In terms of age, children between the age bracket of 7–9 years were most infected 31 (30.09 %) with the least prevalence occurring in the 4–6 years age group. In total, four helminth parasites were found in the stool samples of the children, A. lumbricoides 35 (20.59 %), Hookworm 7 (4.16 %), and T. trichiura 5 (2.19 %). Among the predisposing factors studied, school and type of parasite were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.05). Mass deworming of primary school children should be undertaken regularly by health officers as well as enlightenment programs of pupils on proper hygiene practices and sanitation.

Keywords:

Helminths, Prevalence, Infection, Primary school Pupils, Anambra State, Nigeria.

No. of Downloads: 0