Anaemia and Hookworm Infection in Patients Attending Clinics at a Tertiary Health Facility in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed to investigate association between anaemia and hookworm infection among patients accessing medicare at a tertiary health facility in Kaduna State, northwest, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 250 stool and blood samples were collected from various age groups and both sexes. Wet prep and kato-katz qualitative thick smear technique were used for the analysis of faecal samples for hookworm ova while cyanmethaemoglobin method was used for haemoglobin estimation. Results: Sixty-six (26.4%) were infected with hookworm while 26 (39.4%) of those infected were anaemic and 40(60.6%) had hookworm infection without anaemia. Among the anaemic patients, 21 (31.8%) were males, while 5(7.6) were females.    There was a statistically significant difference between the mean haemoglobin of non-infected and infected males (p<0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between those of non-infected and infected females (p>0.05). in males with hookworm infection, the haemoglobin values decreased with increased with increased egg load whereas in females, haemoglobin levels did not show any consistent decrease with increasing egg load. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried on the data generated with the aid of statistical software SPSS. Association between categorical variables were considered significant at P < 0.05. Conclusion and Suggestion: This study shows that there is a direct proportionality between hookworm infection and anaemia, meaning the heavier the infection, greater the anaemia. Put differently, it means, a person with very heavy hookworm infection will have a lower haemoglobin level and invariably have iron deficiency anaemia. It is advisable for relevant policy-makers in the state- particularly government and public health managers- step up efforts to enlighten the public on the need to practice hand and toilet hygiene at all times. Also, it may be helpful to conduct mass-deworming exercise in the state, especially in public and private primary schools.