Prevalence of Salmonella Infection among Internally Displaced Persons in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Salmonellosis constitutes a significant public health problem among internally displaced persons (IDPs), largely due to overcrowded living conditions, inadequate sanitation, unsafe water supplies, and restricted access to healthcare services. This study investigated the prevalence of salmonella infection among internally displaced persons residing in selected camps in Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 422 symptomatic participants were recruited using a standard sample size determination formula for populations greater than 10,000. Stool samples were collected using sterile containers with Cary-Blair transport medium and processed using conventional microbiological techniques, including enrichment in Selenite F broth, selective plating on Salmonella-Shigella agar, MacConkey agar, and Deoxycholate Citrate Agar, followed by Gram staining and biochemical characterization. Statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between infection status and demographic variables. The overall prevalence of Salmonella infection was 6.4%. Nasarawa State recorded the highest prevalence (8.0%), followed by Plateau (6.0%) and Benue (5.4%), with no statistically significant difference across states (p = 0.612). The highest age-specific prevalence was observed among individuals aged 31–40 years (10.9%), although age was not significantly associated with infection (p = 0.086). A significantly higher prevalence was observed among males (9.4%) compared to females (4.1%) (p = 0.029). Marital status showed a statistically significant association with infection (p = 0.050), with married participants accounting for the majority of cases (55.6%). Educational level and occupation were not significantly associated with infection, although farmers represented the largest proportion of infected individuals (74.1%). The findings highlight ongoing transmission of Salmonella within IDP camps and emphasize the urgent need for improved sanitation, hygiene education, and targeted public health interventions to reduce enteric disease burden among displaced populations.