Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-transmitted Helminthes Infections among Pregnant Women in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Pregnant women in resource-scarce countries are vulnerable to helminthic infestations. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs) infections among pregnant women in Onitsha Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics at four health facilities in Awka Metropolis. A total of 325 pregnant women were enrolled for the study and 325 fecal specimens were collected and analyzed using direct faecal smear and formol-ether sedimentation techniques for estimation of prevalence. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a pretested questionnaire were used in determining the predisposing risk factors of STHs infections among pregnant women studied. Of the 325 fecal specimens examined, 161 (49.5%) were positive with one or two STHs parasites. The parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides 93(28.6%), Hookworm 29(8.9%), Trichuris trichiura, 32(9.8%) and Strongyloides stercoralis 7(2.2%). A total of 9(2.8) had mixed STHs infections. Pregnant women less than twenty years old had the highest prevalence of STHs infections (61.0%), while those who are more than 40 years old had the least STHs infections (30.3%). Primigravid women were significantly infected 84(65.6%) than secundigravid women 47(47.0%) and multigravid ones 30(30.9%). The highest prevalence of STHs infections was observed among those in their second trimester (49.0%). Pregnant women who were traders had the highest prevalence of STHs infections (68.9%), the least prevalence was observed among those who were civil servants (18.5%). Pregnant women who had primary education had the highest prevalence of STHs infections (69.1%). Those who defecate in the bush (72.9%) harbor significantly highest infection rate. The highest and significantly highest infection rate was recorded among those whose source of drinking water was shallow well (89.1%). Source of food intake, food and handwashing hygiene, footwearing, handwashing after defecation, washing of fruits and vegetables were significantly associated with STHs infections among the pregnant women studied. Guidelines should be developed for the implementation of routine fecal examination screening procedures for all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics so that mass management can be offered to all pregnant women.