Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among school-aged children in selected schools in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among selected school children in Du District, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 185 healthy children aged 5-15 years, and a multistage sampling technique was used. Formal-ether concentration/direct wet mount methods were used to identify the parasites. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to gather data on environmental, personal hygiene, and sociodemographic parameters. Chi-square test and descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis.
Results: A total of 185 students were included and 25 (13.5%) of them had intestinal parasitic infections. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (28.0%), Taenia spp. (24.0%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex (20.0%). Higher infection rates were observed among children practicing open defecation (up to 18.7%) and those using unsafe drinking water sources (wells 12.9%; streams 12.4%).
Conclusions: The results highlight the critical need for comprehensive control efforts, including better health education, a clean water supply, and sanitation.

Keywords

Intestinal / Risk factors / Parasitic infections / School-aged children / Jos South / Plateau State

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