Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among School Children in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health problems globally, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study was carried out from August to November, 2023 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and associated risk factors among school children in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Three hundred and eighty four (384) fecal samples were collected randomly and examined using the standard operating procedure of formol-ether concentration technique. The results showed overall prevalence of 192(50.0%). The prevalence was higher in males 142(60.0%) than in females 50(34.7%). Age group between 11-13 years had the highest prevalence rate of 79(41.1%) followed by 14-16years, 8-10years and 5-7years with 62(32.3%), 37(19.3%) and 14(7.3%) respectively. The difference in infection rate between sexes and age groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence rate of 73(38.0%) followed by Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata with 35(18.2%), 27(14.1%), 21(11.0%), 18(9.4%), 12(6.3%) and 6(3.0%), respectively. The study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study area. Factors such as lack of social amenities, poor environmental sanitation and ignorance were observed to enhance the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the area. Therefore, there is need for effective control measures such as massive chemotherapy, provision of adequate social amenities especially portable drinking water, improved sanitation and personal hygiene as well as educating the people on the effects of these parasites.