INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN YORRO AND ZING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS (LGAS), TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Intestinal helminthiasis remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among school-aged children in low-resource settings. This study investigated the occurrence of intestinal helminths in relation to socio-demographic determinants, as well as the risk factors for infection in primary school children in Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas (LGAs), Taraba State, Nigeria. The study randomly enrolled five hundred (500) students from selected primary schools in Yorro and Zing LGAs. Stool samples were collected and examined using smear and Kato-Katz techniques. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect socio-demographic and behavioral data. An overall prevalence of 75.7% was found. Yorro LGA significantly had 78.8% than Zing LGA, 72.7% (χ2=7.994; p=0.006). The identified helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides (20.1%), hookworm (13.9%), Trichuris trichiura (13.3%), Taenia solium (13.0%), Taenia saginata (11.6%), and Enterobius vermicularis (10.7%). The behavioral and hygienic attitudes of the children were not significant as risk factors in the areas. Yorro LGA significantly had more infections than Zing LGA. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest frequency among the school children. The research recommends an urgent need to deworm and improve sanitation in schools and the environment. There should also be a safe drinking water supply and comprehensive health education campaigns in schools and households.