Risk Factors and Socio-demographic Determinants of Intestinal Helminthiasis among Children in Schools that Implemented the Homegrown School Feeding Program in Ekwulobia, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Control of intestinal helminthiasis among pupils improves their nutritional status. This study identified the risk factors and socio-demographic determinants of intestinal helminthiasis among children in primary schools that implemented Home Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: The study area was Ekwulobia, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 848 consented pupils from Primary (Elementary) classes 1-4 were examined from Community Primary School (270 pupils); Central Primary School (317 pupils); and Nwannebo Primary School (261 pupils). Structured questionnaires were administered to pupils to assess their risks factors for helminthiasis. Fecal samples collected from all pupils were examined using Kato-Katz technique. Data obtained were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Chisquare test and t-test were used to test for level of significance. Results: Of the 848 pupils, 452 (53.3%) were males, and 396 (46.7%) were females. Assessment of risk factors associated with transmission revealed that toilet type, hand washing habits, and knowledge of the cause of helminthiasis were significantly (p0.05). There was a very low prevalence of helminths at 0.71% in six stool samples (1 male and 5 females), and prevalence of helminths was not significantly associated (p>0.05) with pupil’s sex and age. Ascaris lumbricoides was the only helminths species observed in the study population. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: The low prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among the study population may be attributable to efforts of HGSFP that was implemented in the study area. There is a need for constant monitoring and surveillance of all public schools and sustenance of the implemented water, sanitation and hygiene practices, and HGSFP so that total elimination of helminths can be achievable in the state.