Prevalence and Predictors of Helminthic Infections among Pupils in a Public Primary School on a North-Central City of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The prevalence and intensity of helminthiasis are highest in children aged 5-15 years where it accounts for 12% of the total disease burden and 20 % of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost among this age group. This study therefore, aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of helminthiasis among pupils in a public primary school in a metropolitan city in north-central Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2010 among pupils registered for the academic year in Okelele Community Ilorin, Nigeria, using a multi- stage sampling technique in 3-stages to recruit 300 participants. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from respondents and their stool samples were also collected for microscopic examination. Findings The prevalence of helminthiasis was relatively high (32.0%) with a peak prevalence in the 9-12 years old age group. No statistically significant associations were found between prevalence of ascariasis and age, sex, maternal educational backgrounds and maternal occupational status (p > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant associations were found between prevalence of ascariasis and hygiene habits of pupils (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Soil-transmitted helminthic infections are still pervasive among school- age children. Implementation of school health service programme will go a long way to improving the environmental, personal and food hygiene habits of pupils thereby reducing helminthic infections among school children.