Intestinal Parasites in School-Aged Children of Rumuodogo, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: This epidemiological survey was carried out to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in School aged Children.

Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out in Rumuodogo Community in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State, Nigeria between the months of March to June 2019.

Methodology: Microscopic examination of stool samples from 200 school-aged pupils between the ages 3-18 years was carried out using formol-ether concentration and direct wet mount, and stained iodine. Demographic as well as epidemiological data were obtained using a questionnaire.

Results: The finding reveals an overall prevalence of 49.5%. However, there was a significant difference in the parasite prevalence values between the age groups (P = 0.01). The common intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 19.5%, Ancylostoma duodenale 9.5%, Trichuris spp. 6%, Strongyloides spp. 4.5%, Enterobius spp. 1%, Taenia solium, 1.5%, Taenia saginata 1%, Entamoeba histolytica 4.5%, Giardia lamblia 4% and Schistosoma mansoni 2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasites infections with respect to the available and use of toilet facility revealed that Pit toilet users had the highest prevalence of 62 (56.9%) while no infection was recorded among users of water closet toilet. When age groups were compared, the result showed that age group 3-6 years were significantly more infected than the other age groups (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between other age groups. The findings however, showed that age groups 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of 55.6%. Maximum of seven children had multiple infections. The male female ration was 62:37 while the percentage for males was 43.2% and 50% for females.

Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections are associated with reduced development of children manifested by a reduced physical fitness which may result from vitamin deficiencies, inducing intestinal bleeding, and protein energy malnutrition. Therefore, the high prevalence of intestinal parasites recorded in this study calls for an intensified effort in the control of the infections. Regular deworming of children and environmental sanitation should be carried out to further reduce the prevalence.