Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Infection Amongst Urban and Rural Primary School Pupils in Kwale, Delta State

Abstract

A prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was carried out among school children aged 5-13 years attending primary schools in the rural and urban areas of Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. A total of 200 samples were collected from both the rural and urban areas, and examined using the formol-ether technique. Forty-one (20.50%) of the children were infected with helminth parasites. The prevalence of intestinal helminth in both areas studied was within the national average of 14-30%. The predominant parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (11.50%), followed by hookworm (7.50%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.50%). The prevalence of helminth in the urban and rural areas was also recorded. Azunze primary school had the highest prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides (4.00%) and Trichuris Ttrichiura (1.00%), Iyasere primary school had the highest prevalence for hookworm (2.50%) infections. This study revealed a prevalence of intestinal helminths infections among school children nevertheless control measures such as improved personal hygiene and health education is necessary to reducing helminths infection.