PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN RELATION TO RISK FACTORS AMONG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN GWANDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA
*Dalijan H. A., Adamu T., Yahaya M. M., Isah B. A. and Suleiman J.
ABSTRACT
Epidemiological information on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections and identification of local risk factors in different region/localities is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control measures. Hence the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in relation to risk factors among school aged children in Gwandu LGA. A cross sectional study involving 331 school pupils was conducted from December 2015 to May 2016. Structured questionnaires were used to identify environmental, socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected from the study subjects and examined for parasites using formol-ether concentration technique. An overall prevalence of 26.9% (89 of 331 children) was obtained. The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 74(22.4%), Trichuris trichiura 4(1.2%) and mixed infection had the prevalence of 3.3%(11). Intestinal parasites prevalence was higher in children lacking access to safe drinking water as well as those taking fresh/raw vegetables (p<0.05). In conclusion, intestinal parasites infection is a health problem among school aged children. Therefore, interventions including improvement of sanitation, provision of safe drinking water, and health education on personal hygiene to the students should be given (Asrat, et al., 2011).
Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Risk factors, School aged children.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]