Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis among Children Attending General Hospital Kankara, an Insecurity-Plagued Community in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) is one of the major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) endemic among the poor regions of the world. This study surveyed STHs among children attending General Hospital Kankara, one of the insecurity-plagued areas within Katsina State. This study aimed at using the formal ether technique to assess the prevalence of STHs among children of different ages (1-15 years), sexes and settlements in Kankara General Hospital. Materials and Methods: Stool samples of 314 were collected using sterile universal bottles among children between 1-15 years attending General Hospital Kankara. The formal-ether technique was used for the processing and examination of stool samples. Data on age, sex and settlement were collected and the Chi-square Test was used in analysing the data. Results: Out of 314 children, 179 (57%) were infected with one or more STHs. Sex-related prevalence of STHs cut across the two sexes, with a higher prevalence among males (58.6%). Prevalence was higher among the 1-5-year age group (60.3%) and least among the 11-15 years (51.8%) age group. Those children from neighbouring villages had a higher infection rate (62.5%) than the ones from Kankara Town (49.2%). Prevalence of parasite types was in the order Ascaris lumbricoides>Hookworm>Trichuris trichiura across all age groups, sexes and settlements. Conclusion:In conclusion, soil-transmitted helminthiasis is endemic among children in Kankara and its prevalence is associated with sex, age group and settlements.