Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.