Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Ifite-Ogwari: A Farming Rural Community in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The aim was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Ifite-Ogwari: A farming rural community in Anambra State, Nigeria. Study Design:  This study is a cross-sectional, community-based, descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum L.G.A of Anambra State, Nigeria. The laboratory investigations and analysis were done in the Parasitology and Entomology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between April and June 2023. Methodology: A total of two hundred and sixty-five (265) participants from Ifite-Ogwari community were randomly sampled for the study with an age range from five to ninety years. Stool samples were collected and analyzed microscopically using standard procedures. Results:  From the 265 participants examined, 83(31.3%) were males and 182(68.7%) were females. The result revealed an overall prevalence of 77(29.1%), fecal samples of 24 males (28.9%) and 53 females (29.1%) were positive for intestinal parasites. Hookworm emerged as the most prevalent species (16.2%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (9.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.0%). The age group 15-24 years had the highest prevalence (36.2%) and least among age group 75-84 years (18.2%). Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health education and evidence-based control measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in this rural community.