Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human intestinal parasites are the major public health challenges among farmers, particularly in the tropics and sub-tropic regions of the world. It has been estimated that approximately 1.2 billion people harbour at least one species of intestinal parasite world-wide. The aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among farmers in Fiidi, Wailomayo, North Bank II, Ankpa-Wadata and South-central Wards of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Stool Samples were collected from 500 farmers in five Council Wards with 100 samples from each ward. Each participant was instructed to provide early morning faecal specimen and each of them was interviewed using structural questionnaire. The stool specimens were examined using structural wet preparation and formol ether concentration methods. Among the gender distribution of infection, more parasites were recorded among the 250 females, 131 (26.2%) while in the male group of 250, 128 (25.6%) was recorded. The age group most infected was 10-20 years with 104 (20.8%) and 31-40 years with 74 (14.8%). The age group with the least infection was those in age group 51-60, 17 (3.4%). The farmers in Ankpa/Wadata recorded the highest parasite infection with 61 (12.2%) and North Bank II participants recorded the lowest with 46 (9.2%). Based on educational qualifications of the farmers, those with primary education were the most infected with 116 (23.2%), while those with non-formal and secondary education were the least infected with 45 (9.0%) each. In terms of social practices by the farmers during farming activities, those who never wash their fruits and hands before eating were most infected with 217 (43.4%). From the study, it can be deduced that more than half of the farmers were infected with intestinal parasites, 259 (51.8%). It is therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to deworm themselves as often as possible to keep them in good health.