Apstrakt
Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH)
infection remains a public health challenge.
Monitoring intensity of STH and associated
environmental factors are essential among school
age children (SAC) in developing countries. The study
determined the infection intensity of STH and
associated environmental factors among SAC in a
rural community in southeastern Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on
221 SAC in a rural community in southeastern
Nigeria. The socio-demographic and Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene practices were collected with
a questionnaire and household sanitation facility and
pet ownership with observational checklist. Stool and
soil samples were collected and analyzed for STH
intensity. Data was analyzed using descriptive and
multiple regression analysis.
Results: A total of 221 SAC (9.3±2.5 years) provided
information on socio-demographics and 149 (67.4%)
gave stool samples. Hookworms (4.7%),
Strongyloides stercoralis (2.7%) and Enterobius
vermicularis (0.7%) were species identified.
Intensity of STHs expressed as eggs or larvae per
gram of stool (epg or lpg) showed light intensity for
Hookworms (37.5±18.8) and heavy for
Strongyloides stercoralis (25.2±0.1). Few (8.7%)
were infected with at least one helminth and 66.5%
SAC had recently dewormed (d”3 months). A
filariform larva of Strongyloides stercoralis was
found in a soil sample. About 61.5%, 75.0% and
60.0% participants indicated borehole as major source
of drinking water, presence of household toilet
facilities and pet ownership, respectively.
Conclusions: Soil-transmitted helminth intensity
varied in school-age children in this study. Soil
contamination with Strongyloides stercoralis larvae
implies repeated infections despite periodic
deworming. Environmental factors associated with
infections among school-age children in this rural
community should be addressed.
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