GEOHELMINTH INFECTIONS AND WASH PRACTICES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN MGBAKWU, AWKA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA.

Abstract

Geohelminth (also called STH) infections are major public health problems that require continuous measurement of the prevalence and control practices for its effective elimination. This study aimed to determine the status of Geohelminth infections and WASH practices in Mgbakwu, Anambra State. With cross-sectional design, data were collected using standard parasitological techniques for stool examination, and FMoH checklist for WASH indicators. Chi-Square, Paired-T, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Correlation tests were done at 5% significant level. Overall prevalence of infection was 38.1%. Two STHs encountered: Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworms had 33.7% and 8.9% prevalences respectively (p 0.05). Pupils (5-9) years had 42.8% prevalence while those (10-14) years had 32.8% (p > 0.05). School based prevalence was highest, 43.8% in APS and least, 28.6% in GLNS (p > 0.05). Overall WASH score was 62.9% (p 0.05). In conclusion, STH infection predominantly with A. lumbricoides, and poor WASH quality were observed in this study. Therefore, health education and other control measures are recommended for effective elimination of STH in the study area.

Keywords

• Ascaris lumbricoides
• hookworm
• mgbakwu
• prevalence
• WASH
• Geohelminths