Prevalence, Risk Factors, Knowledge and Hygiene Practices Regarding Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Orphanage Children in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Children in poor nations are vulnerable to intestinal parasite infections due to deplorable socioeconomic factors and inadequate sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2023 and February 2024 with approval by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs and ethical approval granted by the Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among the children. Stool samples were collected and questionnaires were administered. Stool samples were examined under a microscope using the formol-ether sedimentation technique and a direct wet smear in iodine and normal saline. Data collected were analysed with SPSS version 23. A total of 115 orphans between the ages of 1-20 years residing in registered orphanages in Awka who submitted faecal specimen for examinations were incorporated for this study. Intestinal parasite infections were 39.1% prevalent overall. Entamoeba histolytica (10.4%), Balantidium coli (7.8%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (20.9%) were the three parasite species identified. Prevalence was higher in males (44.3%) than in females (27.8%) (P=.092). Within the age groups, least prevalence (20%) was recorded in children 6-10 years (P=.001) and highest prevalence value (100%) was recorded in children 16–20years (P<.001). Within the orphanages, prevalence was higher (46.9%) in MCCH and lower (29.4%) in TLO (P=.057). Risk factors identified in this study were the source of water (P=.057), playing with sand (P=.135), keeping long fingernails (P< .001). Poor knowledge about intestinal parasite infections was observed. There was an 83.3% total hygiene score. The study revealed that intestinal parasites were prevalent in orphanage children in Awka. Poor hygiene practices and inadequate knowledge were identified as major factors influencing this prevalence. Improving hygiene practices are recommended to mitigate the high prevalence of intestinal parasites among these vulnerable children.