PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL HELMITH INFECTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN IDEMILLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE
Keywords:
Intestinal helminths;, Ascaris lumbricoides, prevalence, school-aged children, Anambra State, Nigeria, soil-transmitted helminths, epidemiology, public healthAbstract
Intestinal helminth infections continue to constitute a major public health concern, particularly in tropical and developing nations where poor sanitation and unsafe water persist. School-aged children are the most affected group due to frequent environmental exposure and inadequate hygiene practices. This study assessed the prevalence and epidemiological correlates of intestinal helminth infections among primary school children in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 pupils (130 males and 120 females) aged 5–13 years, randomly selected from two public primary schools. Stool samples were collected in sterile containers and examined microscopically using direct saline smear and formol-ether concentration methods. Data were analyzed using chi-square to determine prevalence and distribution according to age, sex, and school. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 40.0%, indicating moderate endemicity. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasite (21.2%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (8.8%) and hookworm species (6.0%), while mixed infections accounted for 4.0%. Infection prevalence was highest among pupils aged 5–7 years (47.5%) and slightly higher in males (43.1%) than females (36.1%). Comparable prevalence between schools suggests shared environmental exposure; linked to poor sanitation, open defecation, and limited access to safe water. The persistence of intestinal helminth infections among children in Idemili North underscores the need for integrated control measures, including periodic school-based deworming, sanitation improvement, and health education. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration between public health authorities and educational institutions is vital for sustainable reduction of helminth transmission and improvement of child well-being.
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