Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among primary school pupils in Ipogun, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) was investigated among pupils of three selected primary schools in Ipogun, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 298 stool samples were collected from pupils across schools and examined for eggs of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) using concentration method. Results showed that 190 (63.8%) of the 298 pupils were positive for STHs. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent (25.5%) parasite in the pupils (n = 76), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, 19.8% (n = 59) and hookworm, 17.8% (n = 53). Trichuris trichiura had the least prevalence of 0.7% (n = 2). Single infestation in the pupils accounted for 160 (84.2%) cases. Of the schools visited, the highest prevalence (74.2%) was recorded in Muslim Nursery and Primary School, followed by St. Jude (70.0%) and Morohunkeji Nursery and Primary School (50.0%). Statistically, there was a significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) prevalence of STHs in Morohunkeji School compared to the other schools in the study area. The prevalence (50.0%) recorded in both male and female pupils was the same (n = 95) while the prevalence of single infestation in the male pupils was 50.6% (n = 81), higher than that of female pupils, 49.4% (n = 79). The occurrence of co-infestation (or double infestation) in the female pupils was 53.3% (n = 16), higher than that of the male pupils, 46.7% (n = 14). The prevalence recorded across gender and statuses of infestation were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). As a result of helminth infestation, there is need for routine deworming exercises for school-aged children, maintaining good environmental sanitation, as well as health educating of village dwellers in rural communities for effective control of STH in endemic communities. Key words: Helminthiasis, prevalence, soil infestation, school pupils, concentration method.