Intestinal helminthiasis and human/environmental factors among primary school pupils in Okuzu-Oba, Anambra State, Nigeria

Intestinal helminthiasis, a health problem in the developing world; is due to factors that promote their survival and transmission, with children at the highest risk. Using direct wet preparation and Formol-Ether concentration techniques; survey carried out revealed an overall prevalence rate of 34.8%. These parasites were identified with their corresponding rates: hookworms – 26.8%, Ascaris lumbricoides – 9.4%, Strongyloides stecoralis – 1.7%, Trichuris trichura – 1.7%, Enterobius vermicularis – 0.7% and Giardia lamblia – 0.7%. A sample size of 138 pupils including 74 male and 64 females, of whom 35.1% and 34.8% were infected respectively. Four age groups: 4 – 6, 7 – 9, 10 – 13 and 14 – 16 had infection rates of: 33.3%, 26.7%, 42% and 25% respectively, with significant difference among the age groups (P>0.05). Sources of drinking water included bore-hole and stream/river, with infection rates according to the sources as: 41.3% and 21.7% respectively, difference highly significant (P>0.01). Drinking water purification by boiling was analyzed and 16.7% of those who did were infected while 35.6% of those who did not purify were infected, difference highly significant (P>0.01). Infection rates according to toilet facility type at home were: 50% for no toilet, 41.2% for water closet and 33.6% for pit toilet owners. Toilet facility at home notwithstanding, some prefer to defecate in the bush of whom 56.7% were infected, while 30.8% of those who use toilet facility at home were infected, difference highly significant (P>0.01). This research showed high prevalence rate, poor sanitary conditions and lack of good water supply. Health education, Mass chemotherapy and provision of good water are recommended.