PREVALENCE OF GEO-HELMINTHS AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NORTH CENTRAL ZONE NIGERIA

Adeyemi Adeola F., Abodunrin Olugbemiga L.*, Oke Funmi E. and Bamidele James O.

ABSTRACT

Background: Geo-helminths are recognized as major public health problems, because they negatively affect the host’s nutritional status by affecting the intake, intestinal absorption, metabolism and excretion of nutrient. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study which utilized quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection over a period of one month at various selected communities. A pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and soil sample from the communities were used. The data was analyzed using Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20.0. Data were represented in tables and charts. The level of significant was set at p < 0.05. Results: Most of the respondents were of the younger age group, males, married and with at least secondary education. Almost all the respondents 349 (99.1%) knew hookworm as a type of soil transmitted helminthes 204 (58.0%) correctly mentioned ingestion as a means of transmission and stated that environmental sanitation could prevent helminth infection. Overall, only 172 (42.7%) had good knowledge while 175 (43.4%) had good practice of the prevention and control of soil helminthes. Age, marital status, and level of education were statistically significant associated with practices with respect to Geo-helminthes. Hookworm larva was the most prevalent followed by strongyloids from soil examination. Conclusion: Resident of Riyom should improve their hygiene practice by proper faecal handling and hand washing. Further research involving stool samples will be needed to inform policy making.

Keywords: Prevalence, Practice, Transmission, Prevention, Geo-helminthes.