Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Primary Schools in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths pose significant public health concerns, particularly among school-aged children in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Public Primary Schools, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 150 school-aged pupils (1-14 years old) from three Community Primary Schools which included State School 1, State School 2, and Community Primary School, all in Etche. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on socio-demographic factors. Stool samples collected from each pupil were examined using the Kato-Katz technique and the STH parasites identified with keys. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection in the three selected schools in this study was 46%. Results obtained from this study according to sex showed that more males (52%) were infected than females (40%). Children between 5-7 years were the most infected in State School 2 and Community Primary School; while children between 12-14 years were the most infected in State School 1. Also, this study revealed that children in State School 2 had the highest soil-transmitted helminths infection (56%); while State School 1 recorded the least infection rate (34%). In this present study, Strongyloides stercoralis was the least prevalent soil-transmitted helminths while Ascaris lumbricoides (36) was the most occurring parasite in this study. There was no association (p>0.05) between age and gender and the prevalence of the parasite infection. A comprehensive control programme should be implemented in the area to curb the spread of infection.