THE PREVALENCE OF SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTHES AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN IFEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA (Published)
The current status of intestinal helminthes was assessed among schools children in Ifedore Local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 180 faecal samples were collected randomly from each of the primary schools sampled. Detection and identification were by direct microscopy. Questionnaires were administered to identify the major activities and behaviour of pupils, their knowledge about the aetiology and control of intestinal helminthes.
Chi- square was used to determine if there was any relationship between age and sex on the occurrence of the helminthes. Of the 180 pupils examined, 88 (48.9%l) were infected. Three parasite species observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (22.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (12.8%), Hookworm (10.6%) and for multiple infection (3.3%). Females had higher prevalence (25.6%) than males (23.3%). No significant association was observed among worm infectivity, age and sex in the population studied. The study revealed that poor hygienic practices and unsanitary condition were responsible for the high prevalence of these helminthes. Health Education through primary health care could be used as a control measure
Keywords: Helminthes, Hookworm, Infection, Prevalence, Soil