Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among School Aged Children In Primary Schools In Pankshin L.G.A Of Plateau State

The prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-aged children in Nigeria remains alarmingly high; these infections can lead to severe health consequences such as malnutrition, anemia, stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and reduced educational performance. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 pupils, aged 3–13 years. The sample size of one hundred (100) respondents was used for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of the study sample size. Also, stool sample was obtained from the respondents and was subjected to laboratory analysis using the sedimentation, direct smear and flotation method. A close-ended questionnaire was used to obtain responses from the respondents. The results revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites infection with an overall infection rate of 731(62.8%). The most prevalent intestinal helminth species was Hookworm, accounting for 250 (12.5%), followed by Taenia specie 210(19.1%), Entamoeba histolytica 112(16.5%), and Girdia lamblia 159(14.7%). However, there was a significant association between the prevalence of specie-specific of intestinal parasites and the Pupils (P<0.05). More females 49(49.0%) were infected than males 30(30.0%), There was a statistical difference in the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in relation to gender (P<0.05). The highest infection rate, 31(31.0%) was observed in pupils in the age group 3 - 5 and the least infection rate of 11(11.0%) was observed in the age group 13 and above, there was a statistical difference between intestinal parasite infections in relation to age (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between the respondent’s response on the risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection (χ 2 = 0.109, df = 2, P = 0.021). The study concludes that, the high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites among school aged children within the study area significantly affects their academic achievement and overall wellbeing. The study therefore recommends among others that there should be increased access to healthcare facilities for early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections among children.