INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS AMONG NURSERY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SABON TASHA, CHIKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

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Date
2013-12
Authors
KUBOYE, SARAH
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Abstract
ABSTRACT The prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of intestinal helminth infections in 360 nursery school children were investigated. A structured questionnaire with associated risk factors was administered. Stool samples were collected and examined by concentration and floatation techniques to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infections. The data obtained were analysed using Epi Info Version 3:5:1 August 13 2008 statistical package software. The overall prevalence of helminth infections was6.67%.The data of infection with the different helminths in the 360 faecal samples were: Hookworm 14 (3.89%), Hymenolepis nana 5(1.39%), Ascaris lumbricoides 3 (0.83%) and Schistosoma mansoni 2 (0.56%). None of the children had multiple infections. The intensity of intestinal helminth infections measured per gram of faeces (epg), with the highest number of eggs encountered in Hymenolepis nana (n = 480), while the lowest number was recorded in Hookworm and Schistosoma (n=1). Female pupils had a higher prevalence of 3.88% compared to males with 2.22%. Hook worm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana and Schistosoma mansoni infected only children aged 1-3years; H. nana and Schistosoma did not infect children aged 4-5years. The highest overall prevalence of infection with all the helminths (7.5%) was obtained in children aged 1-3years and those aged 4- 5years had a lower prevalence (5%). Helminth infections although generally low occurred mostly in children with the following characteristics: parents with only primary education, well as the source of drinking water; garbage piles and human faeces around their homes and those who ate food with unwashed hands. The risk factors listed were associated with helminth infections. From the findings of this study, I recommend that Ministry of Environment should regularly check the levels of hygiene among the populace and fine defaulters. - 8 - Table of Contents Title Page....................................................................................................................... .................. i Declaration.................................................................................................................... ................. ii Certification................................................................................................................. .................. iii Dedication..................................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements...................................................................................................... .................. v Abstract......................................................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents........................................................................................................ ................. vii List of Tables................................................................................................................. ................. x List of Figures............................................................................................................................... xi List of Plates............................................................................................................... .................. xii CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………… …...…........... .............................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Statement of the Problem......................................................................................... ................ 4 1.2 Justification.............................................................................................................. ................. 5 1.3 Aim……………………………….………………………..…………………........ ................ 5 1.4 Objectives………………………………………….…………………………........
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A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL BIOLOGY (M. SC. ED.)
Keywords
INTESTINAL, HELMINTHIASIS, NURSERY, SCHOOL CHILDREN, SABON TASHA,, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
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