DRY SEASON PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFESTATIONS AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN INGAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to determine the prevalence
and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthic infestations (STHs) and the packed cell
volume (PCV) among 461 apparently healthy primary school pupils aged 5-12
years in Ingawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The study was done
from 5th March to 3rd May, 2012. A questionnaire was distributed through the
pupils to their parents to determine their age, sex, parental level of education and
parental occupation. The questionnaire was completed by the parents/guardians or
with the help of the school teachers for those whose parents/guardians could not
read nor write. History of risk factors to STH infestations that included toilet
facility at home, source of water in the house, and the use of footwear was
obtained. Stool samples were collected from each participating pupil. A thorough
physical examination was done. The weight and height were recorded. Capillary
blood sample from pin prick was obtained from each subject for PCV estimation.
Stool analysis was also done, using the Kato-Katz semi quantitative technique.
The overall prevalence of STH infestations among the study children was 26.0%
with 2.6% of them having high intensity infestation; thereby classifying the study
area as category III (low). The mean PCV of the affected children was found to be
significantly lower than that of the uninfected children. Bush/open space
defaecation, parental socio-economic status and child’s age were found to be
statistically significant risk factors for STHs acquisition among the infected
subjects.

It was concluded that though the study area is categorized as low risk for STH,
there was a significant effect of STH infestation on the PCV values of the affected
children.

DRY SEASON PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFESTATIONS AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN INGAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA