School-based Cross-sectional Survey on Soil-transmitted Helminths in Rural Schools of Kogi East, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to investigate the status of Soil-transmitted Helminths (STHs) in rural schools of Kogi East, Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional using stratified random cluster sampling procedure. Stool specimens were collected in a sterile specimen bottle from school pupils in five (5) randomly selected schools in each of the nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) (45 schools) of Kogi East to enable complete epidemiological survey, all schools selected were located within the rural areas of the LGAs. Collected samples were preserved in 10% formalin and examined for parasites using formal ether sedimentation technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the risk factors associated with STHs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used to test the relationship in prevalence of STHs according to categories of infections. The overall prevalence of STHs in Kogi East was 17.1% with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis having prevalence of 4.3%, 12.7% and 1.1% respectively. Hookworms’ infection was the most widespread in Kogi East. Omala LGA (29.6%) had the highest prevalence of STHs. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence between male (18.2%) and female (16.0%) pupils, and between the age groups of 5–8 years (16.6%) and 9–12 years (17.8%). STHs is endemic among rural pupils of Kogi East as observed in the prevalence of infection as well as the prevailing risk factors, preventive chemotherapy is warranted. Therefore, school-based deworming alongside health education programme should be extended to rural schools.