Prevalence And Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Helminthic Infections Among Primary School Pupils In Gombe, North-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The public health burden and prevalence of intestinal helminths in Nigeria are increasing, with 45% of school age children being infected annually. Interrogating the burden and associated demographics will aid preventive measures, early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in school children, types and associated sociodemographic characteristics. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study that used multistage sampling technique to obtain a sample of 350 pupils aged 5 to 14 years from 24 primary schools in Gombe LGA of Gombe state from July 2018 to January 2019. Stool samples were examined with Direct and Formol- ether concentration methods. Results: The prevalence of helminthic infection was 23.7%. The proportion of various types of helminths were 26.5%, 24.1%, 21.7%, and 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, Hookworm, H. nana and Trichuris trichuira respectively while multiple infection accounted for 18.1%. Majority (43; 51.8%) of the infections were light infections. Infection in Public schools accounted for 96.4%. There was a significant association between helminthic infection and public school (p<0.001), low Socio-economic class (P= 0.004) and use of insanitary toilets (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health problem in primary school children in Gombe, especially in public schools that are attended by students from low social class and whose toilet facilities are in poor states. Regular health education with provision of water closet toilets and de-worming of public primary school children at intervals are recommended to decrease worm burden.