PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AMONG PUPILS IN AWKA SOUTH L.G.A, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA=SHORT COMMUNICATION

Main Article Content

C. I. Nzeukwu
K. C. Irikannu
P. O. Ihejie
P. U. Umeanaeto
A. C. Nzeukwu
n. v. Elosiuba
N. V. Elosiuba
G. L. Onwuachusi
I. E. Obiefule
C. O. Aniefuna

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a neglected tropical disease of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in various parts of the world. This study was on the prevalence and risk factors for STH infections among pupils in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 568 pupils, composed of pupils from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nursery and Primary School, Ifite (NAUNPSI), (n=232); Community School, Nkwelle (CSN), (n=164), and Central Primary School, Amawbia (CPSA), (n=172) volunteered for the study. Stool samples were collected and analysed using Formol-ether concentration and direct smear methods to detect positive samples. Questionnaires were used to elicit information on pupils’ hygiene habits. Chi-square test in SPSS software was used to compare differences among variables at 95% confidence level. Of the 568 samples examined, 56(9.86%) were positive for intestinal helminths, comprisingAscarislumbricoides44(7.75%), hookworm 8(1.41%) and Taenia spp. 4(0.70%). Mixed infection was not recorded. Overall, males had the higher prevalence of 32(11.80%) than females, 24(8.11%) (P>0.05). Age group of1-5yearshad the highest prevalence,4(12.50). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between pupils from NAUNPSI with highest prevalence, 28(12.07%) and CSN with least prevalence, 12(7.32%). Pupils whose parents were Civil servants, and those dewormed over 7months ago had highest infection rates of 96(12.50%) and 52(10.40%) respectively. Although a low prevalence rate was observed, potential health threats from infections and re-infections demands for improved hygienic habits, environmental sanitation, and strategic deworming of all pupils, as well as health awareness programs in the study area.

Article Details

How to Cite
Nzeukwu, C. I., Irikannu, K. C., Ihejie, P. O., Umeanaeto, P. U., Nzeukwu, A. C., Elosiuba, n. v., Elosiuba, N. V., Onwuachusi, G. L., Obiefule, I. E., & Aniefuna, C. O. (2022). PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AMONG PUPILS IN AWKA SOUTH L.G.A, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA=SHORT COMMUNICATION. The Bioscientist Journal, 10(2), 156-166. Retrieved from https://bioscientistjournal.com/index.php/The_Bioscientist/article/view/114
Section
Articles

References

Akinsanya, B., Adubi, T., Macauley, A. and Okonofua, C. (2021). An investigation on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections in Ijebu East Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Scientific African, 12:757.
Akinseye, F.J., Egbebi, A.O. and Fadare, O.S. (2017). Challenges of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in some communities in Ondo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 4(3):164-171
Aleka, Y., G/egziabher, S., Tamir, W., Birhane, M. and Alemu, A. (2015). Prevalence and Associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among under five children in University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Biomedical Research and Therapy, 2(8):1-7
Alemu, A., Atafu, A., Addis, Z., Shiferaw, Y., Teklu, T., Mathewos, B., Birhan, W., Gebretsadik, S. and Gelaw, B. (2011). Soil transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections among school children in Zarima town, Northwest Ethopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 11:189
Amaechi, E.C., Ohaeri, C.C. and Ukpai, O.M. (2013). Prevalence of helminthiasis among school children in some rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria. Animal Research International, 10(3):1817-1825
Anyaegbunam, L.C. and Uwa, C. (2019). Soil transmitted helminths among primary school children in Okija. Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. Tropical Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences, 2(3):71-76
Aribodor, D.N., Bassey, S.A., Yoonuan, T., Sam-Wobo, S. O., Aribodor, O.B. and Ugwuanyi, I.K. (2019). Analysis of Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths mixed infections among pupils in Enugu State, Nigeria: implications for control. Infection, Diseases and Health, 24(2):96-106
Bartram, J. and Cairncross, S. (2012). Hygiene, Sanitation, and Water: forgotten foundations of health. Public Library of Science Medicine, 7(11): 367.
Brooker, S., Clements, A.C.A. and Bundy, D.A.P. (2006) Global epidemiology, ecology and control of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Advances in Parasitology, 62: 221–261.
Campbell, S.J., Savage, G.B., Gray, D.J., Atkinson, J.M., Soares, M.R.J., Nery, S.V., McCarthy, J.S., Velleman, Y., Wicken, J.H., Traub, R.J., Williams, G.M., Andrews, R.M. and Clements, A.C.A. (2014). Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH): A critical component for sustainable soil-transmitted helminth and schistosomiasis control. Public Library of Science; Neglected Tropical Disease, 8(4): 26-51.
Chesebrough, M. (2000). District Laboratory Practices in Tropical Countries. Cambridge University Press, pp 209-211.
Chukwuma, M.C., Ekejindu, I.M., Agbakoba, M.R., Ezeagwuna, D.A., Anaghalu, I.C. and Nwosu, D.C. (2009). The prevalence and risk factors of geohelminth infections among primary school children in Ebenebe town, Anambra state, Nigeria. Middle East Journal of Scientific Research, 4(3):211-215
Coulibaly, J.T., Furst, T., Silue, K.D., Knopp, S., Hauri, D., Ouattara, M,,Utzinger J. and N'Goran, E.K. (2012) Intestinal parasitic infections in school children in different settings of Cote d'Ivoire: effect of diagnostic approach and implications for control. Parasites Vectors, 5:135
De Silva, N.R., Guyatt, H.L., Bundy, D.A. (1997). Worm burden in intestinal obstruction caused by Ascarislumbricoides. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2 (2): 189-190
Dhaka, R., Verma, R., Kumar, R., Chayal, V., Bhalla, K., Singh, R., Agrawal, G. and Kumar, G (2019). Pattern and determinants of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a rural area of Haryana: A school-based study. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(6): 1971-1975
Dyek, N.D., Kaka, B.I., Daduwak, M.C. and Daduwak, C.C. (2016). Prevalence of intestinal parasites under the fingernails of pupils in Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology, Basic and Applied sciences, 3(1):2465-7301
Ekejindu, I.M., Ekechukwu, A.C. and Ezeagwuna, D.A. (2005). Prevalence of parasitic oocysts and ova on currency. Journal of Biomedical Investigation, 3(2):16-20
Gabrie, J.A., Rueda, M.M., Canales, M., Gyorkos, T.W. and Sanchez, A.L. (2014). School hygiene and deworming are key protective factors for reduced transmission of soil-transmitted helminths among school children in Honduras. Parasites Vectors, 7:354
Greene, L.E., Freeman, M.C., Akoko, D.O., Saboori, S., Moe, C., and Rheingans, R. (2012); Impact of a school-based hygiene promotion and sanitation intervention on pupil hand contamination in Western Kenya: A cluster randomized trial. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene,87(3):385-393
Hassan, A.O., Ossai, A. C., Aladenika, S.T., Ogundeyi, S.B., Ojo, J.F., Fadeju, O.J. and Adebimpe, W.O. (2017). Soil-transmitted helminthes among primary school children in Owo metropolis. International Journal of Infectious and tropical Diseases, 4(1):28-38
Lustigman, S., Prichard, R.K., Gazzinelli, A., Grant, W.N., Boatin, B.A., McCarthy, J.S. and Basanez, M.G. (2012). A research agenda for helminth diseases of humans: The problem of helminthiases. Public Library of Science, Neglected Tropical Diseases, 6(4):15-82
National Population Commission (2006). Population Census of Nigeria. Population distribution in Local Government Areas by Sex and Number of Households
Nwankwo, A., Onyebueke, A.C., Irikannu, K.C., Nzeukwu, C.I. and Onwuzulike, I.V. and Okafor, N.M. (2021). Soil-transmitted helminths infection and associated risk factors among primary school pupils in Omogho and Awa communities, Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, 42(8):56-64
Odinaka, K., Nwolisa, E., Mbanefo, F., Iheakaram, A. and Okolo, C. (2015). Prevalence and pattern of soil transmitted helminthic infection among primary school children in a rural community in Imo state, Nigeria. Journal of Tropical Medicine, (10):11-55
Ojja, S., Kisaka, S. and Ediau, M. (2018). Prevalence, intensity and factors associatedwith soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool-age children in Hoima district, rural western Uganda. BMC Infectious Diseases, 18(408): 32-89
Onyido, A.E., Okoye, M.M., Irikannu, K.C., Okafor, E.N., Ugha, C.N., Umeanaeto, P.U., Egbuche, C.M, Iwueze, M.O. and Ezeani, A.C. (2016). Intestinal helminth infections among primary school pupils in Nimo community, Njikoka local government area, Anambra state, southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Advance Research in Biology and Pharmacy Research; 1(4):44-48
Onyido, A., Anumba, J. U., Ezechukwu, G. C., Chibuzor, U., Umeanaeto, P. and Iwueze, M.O. (2017). Intestinal helminth infection among primary school pupils in Ekwulumili community, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology,38(2):185
Pasaribu, A. P., Alam, A., Sembiring, K., Pasaribu, S. andSetiabudi, D. (2019). Prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school children living in an agricultural area of North Sumatera, Indonesia. BMC Public Health, 19:1066
Rwang, P.G., Effiom, O.E., Ukah, S.U. and Matur, B.M. (2014). The prevalence of Ascaris and Hookworm infections among school children in Obehie, Ukwa-West local government area, Abia State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 35(1&2): 65-69
Singh, K. and Idris, A. (2016). Prevalence of soil transmitted helminths among boarding school children in Sokoto, Nigeria. World Journal of Environmental Biosciences 5(4):1-3
Truscott, J.E., Hollingsworth, T.D., Brooker, S.J. and Anderson, R.M., (2014). Can chemotherapy alone eliminate the transmission of soil transmitted helminths? Parasites Vectors, 7: 266
Ukibe, S.N., Ukibe, N.R., Obi-Okaro, A.C. and Iwueze, M.O. (2018). Prevalence and pattern of soil transmitted helminths (STHs) among primary school children at Nnewi, Nnewi-north local government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Annual Research and Review in Biology, 28(1):1-6
Vandemark, L.M., Jia, T.W and Zhou, X.N (2010). Social science implications for control of helminth infections in Southeast Asia. Advances in Parasitology 73: 137-170
World Health Organization (2012). Soil-transmitted helminthiases: Eliminating soil-transmitted helminthiases as a public health problem in Children, Progress report 2001-2010 and strategic plan 2011-2020. WHO Library Cataloguing-in-publication data. pp34
World Health Organisation (2017). Guideline: Preventive chemotherapy to control soil-transmitted helminth infections in at risk population groups. WHO Cataloguing-in-publication Data. Licence: CCBY-NC-SA 3.0/GO
World Health Organization (2022). Soil-transmitted helminthiases. WHO Fact sheet retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infections. Accessed on 14th February 2022.
Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis/2nd Edition, New York: Harper and Row. In Singh, A. S. and Masuku, M. B. (2014). Sampling techniques & determination of sample size in applied statistics research: An Overview. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management2(11):15