Prevalence of Geohelminths among Primary School Children in Edoh Community, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Geohelminths are responsible for some Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which have significant public health impacts in sub – Saharan Africa. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of geohelminths among primary school children. Study Design: A cross – sectional randomized study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Salvation Army Primary School, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was conducted from June to December, 2018 (six months). Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from each study participant, examined macroscopically (to detect the presence of blood, mucous, consistency and colour) and microscopically (to detect the presence of Geohelminths) using sedimentation concentration technique. Results: An overall Geohelminths prevalence of 58.0% was recorded in this study and only four species of Geohelminths were identified with varying prevalence; Ascarislumbricoides 35.7%, Hookworm 26.6%, Trichuristrichiura 4.2% and Strongyloidesstercoralis 2.8% (P =.05). Age groups 12–14 years and 3–5 years had the highest and least prevalence of 70.0% and 55.6% respectively while males and females had prevalence of 62.7% and 52.9% respectively. Conclusion: Geohelminths still have significant public health effects in Nigeria; prompt interventions such as accurate diagnosis, mass chemotherapy, periodic health education and improved living conditions will effectively reduce the menace of geohelminths.