Scientific African (Jul 2021)
An investigation on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections in Ijebu East Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminthiases are part of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, the Latin America, China and East Asia. Globally, there are over 1.45 billion people are affected with a global burden estimated at 4.98 million DALY. The present morbidity control strategy recommended by WHO targets mostly pre-school, school-age children with adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. The adult populations which are exposed to STH infection through occupation and interaction with the environment are excluded from the strategy. The exclusion of this group may have a deteriorating effect on the overall success of the annual MDA strategy and the elimination of the infection as this group may become a ‘reservoir’ of persistent transmission of STH in their communities. This study was conducted to show the possible impact of the exclusion of this age group in the community on the control of STH. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, intensity, associated risk factors of STH infections and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the population about the causes and sources of the infection. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 123 people in five communities of Imobi in Ijebu-East Local Government Areas Ogun State of Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to collect socio-demographic data and possible risk factors. Stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz smear technique and the parasite eggs were counted under a compound microscope. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes was 6.50% and the recovered parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. For both parasites encountered, Uba had the highest prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%) and Trichuris trichiura (4.2%). The males had a higher infection rate of Ascaris infection (7.8%) but Trichuris infection (1.4%) was only seen in a single female. There was no statistical relationship between the communities, sexes, age-group and infections. Age group 50 years old and above had higher infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and 11–20 years old Trichuris trichiura. The mean intensity of parasites recovered ranged from 600 to 3912 eggs per gram of feces. Intensity was highest in Uba with a median intensity of 3912 followed by Ebute and least in Toluwo with zero intensity. However, Trichuris was relatively intense in Uba alone. The risk factors that were statistically significant with Ascaris lumbricoides were fathers’ level of education and the length of stay in the locality. The knowledge of causes, symptoms of infection, hygiene practices and attitude to infection among the people is very high but infections still prevalent. There is an intense need for health education to reinforce what is known and extend deworming exercise to the communities.
