Prevalence Of Soil-transmitted helminths among school aged children in Yamaltu District, Gombe, Gombe State Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a group of parasitic nematode worms that cause about 2 billion infections worldwide affecting mostly children and producing a wide range of symptoms. In 2001, WHO recommended biannual treatment of children with antihelminthics. However, in 2006 less than 24% of children were covered in all the regions with the least in Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of STH among school-aged children and to find out if the WHO set a target of mass chemotherapy had been achieved in the study area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 310 children between the ages of 5 to 14 years. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Stool samples were collected from the respondents and analyzed by stool microscopy. Data were analyzed using Epi-info 3.5.1 version. Results: The mean age of 310 respondents was 8.8±2.6 years, 54% were males. The prevalence of STH was 11.0%. In addition, 14.9% of participants aged 10-14 years had a helminthic infection, while the rate of infection among females was 15% which was two times that of male respondents. Of the 34 respondents infected with STH, 53% were due to Ascaris lumbricoides alone. The WHO target of 75% was not achieved as less than 25% of children were treated before this study. Conclusion: The prevalence of (STH) was high in the district and treatment with anti-helminthic was low. The government at all levels should ensure routine treatment of children with anti-helminths medications to improve the current low coverage.