A Survey of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in Some Public Schools in Calabar South and Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) in the Schools

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are an important public health issue affecting children in developing countries and are associated with significant morbidity and stunted growth and development. This study examined the current status of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and practices in selected public primary schools in Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA), Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and 240 randomly selected preschool- and school-aged children were included. Standard parasitological and microscopic methods were used to isolate helminth ova from stool samples. Demographic and environmental data, such as age, sex, water and sanitation conditions, WASH-related communication of hygiene practices, and type of toilet facility, were also gathered using a structured questionnaire and statistically analysed. The overall prevalence of STH infections was 32.5%. Among all 240 children examined, species-specific prevalence was 19.17% for Ascaris lumbricoides (46/240), 7.92% for Trichuris trichiura (19/240), and 5.42% for hookworm (13/240). Among the 78 infected children, these species accounted for 58.97%, 24.35%, and 16.66% of infections, respectively. The distribution of helminth species was not significantly different (P > 0.05), based on chi-square analysis. However, differences were observed in infection rates across various environmental and behavioural factors. The prevalence observed in this study suggests that STH infection is endemic in the study area. The results indicate that intervention measures, such as periodic mass deworming, improved sanitation, and enhanced health education, are needed to help reduce transmission and reinfection among children.