PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL HELMINTHS AMONG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN TAMBO WARD GIREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Prevalence, Intestinal Helminths, School Aged Children, Parasites, SanitationAbstract
Intestinal parasitic infections remain an important public health concern among school-aged children, particularly in communities where sanitation, hygiene and access to health services are limited. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites and selected sociodemographic, health-related and nutritional factors among primary school pupils in Tambo Ward, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 pupils from Tambo A and Tambo Jumoh primary schools. Stool samples were examined microscopically, and questionnaire data were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Of the 350 pupils examined, 114 were infected, giving an overall prevalence of 32.57%. Prevalence was 33.68% in Tambo A and 31.25% in Tambo Jumoh, with no significant difference between schools (χ² = 0.24, p = .62). Six parasite taxa were identified; Strongyloides stercoralis was most frequent (36.0%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (22.8%), hookworm (14.0%), Taenia spp. (10.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (8.8%) and Giardia lamblia (7.9%). Infection was significantly associated with age, class level, parental education, parental occupation, previous diagnosis, recent symptoms, deworming status and selected nutritional indicators, but not sex (p = .79). The findings indicate a substantial burden of intestinal parasitic infection and support integrated school-based health education, sanitation improvement, safe-water provision, appropriate deworming and routine screening.
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