Comparative Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths amongst Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their Host Communities in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections between some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities in Benue State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic factors, awareness, and associated risk factors were also investigated. A cross-sectional study design was employed, 200 stool samples were collected from IDPs and host Communities respectively. The stool samples were analyze using both direct wet mount and formol ether concentration technique. A structured questionnaire was then administered to all 400 participant to investigate risk factors, between September, 2024 to March 2025. The highest prevalence of helminth infections was observed among IDPs in Daudu Camp 1 (42%), followed by Daudu Camp 2 (36%), Daudu host community (31%), and Abagana host community (26%). Although the infection rate was slightly higher in IDP camps compared to host communities, no significant difference was found between the locations (χ2=9.252; df=4; P=0.055). Analysis of socio-demographic factors revealed no significant relationship between infection rates and gender (χ2=0.287; df=4; P=0.592), age (χ2=10.810; df=16; P=0.821), occupation (χ2=21.547; df=20; P=0.158), or education level (χ2=7.815; df=12; P=0.799). However, significant associations were found with risk factors such as consumption of untreated water (χ2=15.587; df=4; P=0.004), open defecation (χ2=13.281; df=4; P=0.010), type of toilet used (χ2=21.565; df=12; P=0.006), and sharing of toilets (χ2=71.047; df=16; P=0.000). The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (47.7%), with the highest infection rate observed in Daudu Camp 2 (61.1%). This was followed by Schistosoma mansoni (22.3%), Hookworm (12.3%), E. vermicularis (7.7%), and S. stercoralis (1.5%). A significant relationship between parasite load and location was identified (χ2=44.605; df=24; P=0.006). The study suggests that IDPs are at higher risk of helminth infections, with poor sanitation and open air defecation being key risk factors. These findings highlight the need for improved sanitation and health education in both IDP camps and host communities to reduce helminth infections.