Abstract
IntroductionSoil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa with children being most vulnerable. STH infection may result in impairment, permanent disability or death. Annual mass deworming has been implemented in the Tiko Health District (THD), however, no study has assessed the current prevalence of STH infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, intensity of STH infections and associated risk factors among school children.MethodsTwo months after the school deworming exercise, 400 children were sampled from 10 schools in THD. Stool samples were collected and analyzed using the Kato-katz technique. Data on socio-demographic and behavioral factors were collected using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS and intensity of infection categorized following WHO recommendations. Descriptive data were calculated with frequencies (n) and proportions (%), prevalence and 95% confidence interval calculated for gender and age respectively. Differences in prevalence for socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral variables were calculated with Chi square (χ2). Independent sample t-test was used to compare the means in the number of eggs in feces between male and female school children.ResultsThe prevalence of STH was 1% (95% CI: 0.02-1.98). Ascaris lumbricoides was the only STH species detected and all cases were of low intensities. The arithmetic mean egg intensity was 3.1egg per gram of faeces. Rates of infection were similar between gender and age. Site of defecation showed an association with STH infection (χ2 = 13.63, p=0.03).ConclusionThese findings suggested a low prevalence of STH infection which could be explained by the prior deworming of children, modification in environmental and behavioral factors. Questions on effectiveness of annual mass deworming in achieving STH elimination targets need to be investigated further.
Highlights
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa with children being most vulnerable
Our study revealed an overall prevalence of 1% for STHs which is lower than that reported in other parts of Cameroon [7, 14,15,16,17,18]
Based on the findings of this study, we conclude that the prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminth infection in school children in the Tiko Health District was 1%, all infections were of low intensity and the risk factor associated with STH infection was site of defecation
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa with children being most vulnerable. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection is caused by different species of parasitic nematode worms These parasites which include the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiuria) and 2 hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) are spread principally through contact with feces of infected people and penetration of hookworm larvae which thrive in warm and moist soil of most tropical and subtropical countries [1]. Children harbor the highest prevalence and intensities of STH infection, and are very vulnerable to the effects of these parasitic infection [8, 9] Infections with these parasites results in micronutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, poor cognitive function, mental retardation, poor school performance and absenteeism. Hookworms have the ability to cause chronic intestinal blood loss resulting in anaemia
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