Prevalence and Pattern of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infection among Primary School Children in a Rural Community in Imo State, Nigeria

الملخص EN

Background.

Soil-transmitted helminthic infection is a common public health challenge of primary school children in resource challenged and developing countries.

Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthic infection among primary school children in a rural community in Imo State, Nigeria.

Method.

The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 284 primary school children in a rural community.

Results.

The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) was 30.3%.

Of all STHIs, hookworm was the commonest geohelminth observed, 81 (94.2%).

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection was more in males, 58 (38.4%), than in females, 28 (21.1%).

This difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.001 ).

Conclusion.

The high prevalence rate of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst the study population is worrisome.

There is need for organized and routine deworming among school children in the community.