Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Schoolchildren in Mashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Mashi local government Area (LGA), Katsina state, Nigeria. Study Design: The research design was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving one time sampling of public primary schoolchildren within the study Area. Duration: The study was conducted between the months of February to May 2024. Methodology: Four hundred (400) schoolchildren were randomly selected from four public primary schools for this study. Socio-demographic data was collected using structured questionnaire administered to the study participants. Faecal samples were investigated using Formol-ether concentration technique. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 38%. The most prevalent parasites were Schistosoma mansoni (29.4%), Hookworm (22.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (13.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (11.1%). Other parasites found in lower frequencies were Entamoeba histolytica (7.8%), Hymenolepis nana (7.8%), Giardia lamblia (4.6%), Taenia species (2.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.3%), and Balantidium coli (0.65%). 14.4% of the infected children were infected with more than one parasite, indicating polyparasitism. Girls had a slightly higher infection rate (40.6%) compared to boys (35.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.32). Infection rates were relatively consistent across age groups: 39.8% in 5-8 years, 39.3% in 9-11 years, and 34.3% in 12-13 years (p = 0.65). Source of drinking water is the primary significant risk factor for intestinal parasitic infection in this study population. Compared to reservoir water users, pipe-borne water users had a significantly higher risk of infection, with 2.41 times the odds (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.13-5.15, p = 0.02). Conclusion: This study concludes that intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent among schoolchildren in Mashi LGA. Contrary to expectations, pipe-borne water was identified as the major risk factor, challenging common assumptions about water safety in the study area. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated control measures that combine deworming, water treatment and monitoring for contamination.