Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Ascariasis among Primary School Pupils in Central Nigeria

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of Ascariasis among primary school pupils in Central Nigeria.

Study Design: The study was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Keffi, Nasarawa State, between March and June 2019.

Methodology: 300 stool samples (100 from each of the 3 selected primary schools) were collected from the pupils and information about them were obtained by structured questionnaires. The ova or cyst of Ascaris lumbricoides were microscopically detected from the samples using formal-ether concentration technique. Data collected were analysed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of the 300 pupils screened, 49(16.3%) were positive for Ascariasis. Ahmadu Maikwato primary school had the highest prevalence (24.0%) of the infection followed by Nurudeen (19.0%) and Model Science (6.0%) primary schools. Age, gender, location and occupation of parents were not significantly associated with the parasitic infection (P>0.05). However, the rate of the infection was higher among pupils aged ≥16 years (33.3%), males (19.4%), from rural areas (19.4%) and whose parents were farmers (21.9%).

Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of Ascariasis in the study population. Hence, improved personal and environmental hygiene together with health education and regular deworming of pupils are highly advocated as these will facilitate elimination of the infection in the year 2025 as advocated in the global strategic plan.