Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Their Associated Risk Factors among Children in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoan parasites are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries and cause significant morbidity and mortality. It have been reported by various authors that Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoan parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality, iron deficiency anaemia, growth retardation in children and other physical mental health problems in endemic areas. No comprehensive study has been conducted to elucidate nutritional status, prevalence of intestinal parasites in Gombe State. In view of this therefore, the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among children in Gombe State. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among school children in Gombe State, Nigeria. Six Local Governments (2 from each Zone) were selected using simple random sampling method. Place and Duration of Study: the study was carried out at Microbiology Laboratory. Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. Between June 2023 and July 2024. Methodology: A total of 1200 school children were included for the study (569 male, 631 female; age range 5-14 years) Faecal samples were examined using direct wet mount method and Formol-Ether Concentration techniques, Structured questionnaire based on known risk factors was used to assess the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Results: Total prevalence of 26.75% was recorded in the study areas with Ascaris lumbricoides (10.5%), Entamoeba coli (3.5%), Hookworm (1.91%), H. nana (1.75%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.75%), Taenia saginata(1.66%), Trichuris trichiura (1.58%), Giardia lamblia (1.38%), E. vermicularis (1.0%),  Strongyloides stercoralis  (0.91%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.75%). There was statistically significant association between sex, age group, location and the intestinal parasitic infections. Prevalence of co-infection was 14.0%. Hand washing before eating was found to be significantly associated with parasitic infection. (p<0.05) Conclusion: Improved sanitation and more deworming efforts should be sustained to ensure further decline in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.