Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Primary School Children in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections remain important public health concerns among school-aged children in settings where sanitation, hygiene and safe water access are limited. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites, associated socio-demographic and hygiene-related factors, and knowledge, attitudes and practices among primary school children in Uke, Abatete and Oraukwu communities of Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Stool samples were collected from participating children and examined microscopically using the formalin-ether concentration technique, while structured questionnaires obtained information on demographic characteristics, sanitation, hygiene practices, deworming history and awareness. Of the 86 children whose stool samples were examined, 42 were positive for at least one intestinal parasite, giving an overall prevalence of 48.84%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequently identified parasite, accounting for 37.21% of infections, followed by hookworm (12.79%). Less frequent parasites included Balantidium coli (3.49%), Strongyloides spp. (2.33%), Taenia spp. (2.33%) and Schistosoma haematobium (1.16%). Most socio-demographic and environmental variables were not significantly associated with infection status, although father’s occupation approached statistical significance (p = 0.060). Knowledge of transmission and prevention was generally poor, but attitudes towards preventive measures, deworming, hospital attendance and health education were favourable. The findings indicate a continuing burden of intestinal parasites among school children in the study area and support strengthened school-based health education, periodic deworming, improved sanitation and safe water interventions.