High Prevalence of Helminthiasis in Some Selected Schools in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State; the Need for an Effective Control Measure

Danbana B. T., Lawal S. B., Yaaya Y. M.

Abstract


This study aimed to examine the prevalence of helminth infections in primary school children in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Stool samples were collected from 245 pupils and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. A total of 256 (64.0%) were positive for helminth infections with Hookworms having the highest rate of prevalence at 52.3%. The prevalence rate of helminth parasites was high in all schools with LGEA Ahmad Gyellesu having the highest (100%), followed by LGEA Baba Ahmad (60%), UBE Isa Nabawa (46%) and UBE Angwan Kaya (50%). Stool samples of pupils in primary 1 to 5 were randomly selected and the results show that there was a high prevalence rate in Primary 5 pupils (20.0%) while Primary 2 pupils had the least (10.0%). The prevalence of helminth infections was higher among males (51.3%) than females (28.4%) (p = 0.000). Overall helminth infections were higher in the 8–9 year age group (75%) than in the other age groups (p= 0.064) Hookworm and Hymenolepis eggs co-infection (3%) was the most common mixed infection and were significantly higher in males than females. The total prevalence rate (64%) in this study was above the stipulated range (12.5–50.2% for soil-transmitted helminthiasis), as reported by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health. Holistic control measures must be enforced by the Kaduna State Government to reduce the prevalence rate of helminth infections among school children within the state.


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