PREVALENCE OF GASTROENTERITIS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS) IN RELATION TO THEIR BODY MASS INDEX IN JALINGO METROPOLIS

Abstract

Gastroenteritis is one of the most prevalent illnesses affecting children
worldwide, particularly those in primary school age groups (6-12 years). The
aim of this study was to determine the relationship between gastroenteritis and
Body Mass Index (BMI) among primary school children (ages 6-12 years) in
Jalingo metropolis. Three hundred (300) participants were used in this study.
An overall prevalence of 30% (90/300) was recorded in the schools. Jauro Isa
Primary School had the highest prevalence of E. histolytica at 32.0% and a 2.0%
prevalence for A. lumbricoides. No G. lamblia or hookworm were reported.
Female pupils had notably higher E. histolytica prevalence at 25.1%, and
slightly higher prevalence for G. lamblia (3.4%). Prevalence for A. lumbricoides
and hookworm were 1.9% and 2.9%, respectively. The observed Chi-square
value of 18.004 with a p-value of 0.0004 indicates a significant association
between sex and parasitic infection (p < 0.001), suggesting that females had a
higher overall prevalence, particularly for E. histolytica. The age group 10–12
years had E. histolytica (37.7%), Giardia lamblia (4.5%), A. lumbricoides
(3.9%), and hookworm (4.5%), while the 6–9 Years had E. histolytica (0.7%),
Giardia lamblia (2.1%), A. lumbricoides (2.7%), and hookworm (3.4%),
parasites. Underweight children had the highest prevalence of E. histolytica
(31.8%). The prevalence of E. histolytica was significantly higher among
children who engaged in physical activity (26.9%) compared to those who did
not (11.4%). The findings highlight the importance of integrating health
education with school programs and improving environmental sanitation to
reduce infection rates.