PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE SOUTHERN ZONE OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is a parasitic disease widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation, unsafe water supply, and overcrowding. It has significant health and social impacts, particularly among schoolchildren. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of STH infections in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of schoolchildren in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Southern Adamawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine public primary and secondary schools involving 322 pupils and students. Faecal samples were examined for ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale/Necator americanus using direct wet mount, iodine mount, and 10% formol-ether concentration techniques. The overall prevalence of STH infection was 22.0%, with semi-quantitative assessments of light, moderate, and heavy infection intensities of 12.7%, 5.9%, and 3.4%, respectively. Infection prevalence varied by gender, age, school, class level, and Local Government Area, with a statistically significant association observed between STH infection and school attended (p < 0.05), but not with gender, age group, class level, or LGA (p > 0.05). Government Secondary School, Shelleng, recorded the highest school-specific prevalence (50.0%; 10/20), while Ganye I Primary School recorded the lowest prevalence (16.7%; 12/72). These findings indicate that STH infection among schoolchildren in the study area remains of moderate prevalence. Strengthening school-based deworming programs, health education, improved sanitation, and promotion of good hygiene practices is recommended.