Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections Among School Children in Adamawa Central Zone, Adamawa State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth infections pose a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among school-aged children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,496 school children aged 3–12 years in 44 public schools cross four local government areas (LGAs): Fufore, Gombi, Song, and Yola South in Adamawa Central Zone, Nigeria. Stool samples were examined using the Kato–Katz technique. Infection intensity was categorised according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria, and data were analysed using SPSS version 26. A total of 1,496 stool samples were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections among school children in Adamawa Central Zone, Nigeria. Of these, 578 pupils tested positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 38.6%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species (18.1%), followed by hookworms (8.5%), Trichuris trichiura (7.2%), and mixed infections (4.8%). The prevalence varied across Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Fufore recording the highest infection rate (42.7%) and Yola South the lowest (30.0%). However, the differences across the LGAs were notstatistically significant (χ2 = 6.543; p > 0.05). Over 92% of all infections across A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, hookworm, and mixed infections fell within the low- intensity category, while moderate and heavy infections each accounted for less than 6% and 2%, respectively, for every parasite species —confirming that infection intensities were overwhelmingly low. lumbricoides recorded the highest mean egg load across intensity categories. Asignificant association was observed between prevalence and age (χ2 = 15.625; p < 0.05), with children aged 8–10 years being the most affected (43.8%). Males exhibited a higher infection rate (41.2%) than females (36.1%). The findings indicate that soil-transmitted helminths remain a public health concern in the region and underscore the need for strengthened school-based deworming, improved sanitation, and health education.
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