Common Risk Factors Associated with Transmission of Soil Helminths Infection and Body Mass Index of School Children in Jalingo, Wukari, And Zing Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major public health problem in the Tropical and Sub-tropical developing countries with poor socio-economic status. STH is endemic in Nigeria. Children are the most vulnerable group infected by STHs, and their effects on these children include cognitive impairment, malnutrition, anaemia, and weight loss. The study determined the prevalence of Soil-transmitted helminthic diseases in Jalingo, Wukari, and Zing Local Government Areas of Taraba State. A total of 450 stool samples were collected from school children in three randomly selected Local Government Areas. The samples were examined using the Formol-ether concentration technique and the direct smear method. A questionnaire was used to collect information from the participants. The data collected were analysed using Chi chi-square (χ²) test. The overall prevalence was 26(5.8%). Ascaris lumbricoides 20(4.4%), took the lead followed by Hookworm 5(1.1%), the least was Strongyloides stecoralis 1(0.2%). Zing Local Government had the highest percentage of infection 12(8.0%); Jalingo and Wukari Local Governments had a prevalence rate of 7(4.7%) each. Male children had the highest prevalence, 17(7.2%) and Female children had the least prevalence 9(4.2%) (χ²=1.791; P=1.2). Children who fell under 6-10years had the highest prevalence 15(6.0%), the least prevalence were 1-5years and 11-15years with 2(5.6%) and 9(5.6) respectively, (χ²=0.321; P=0.984). Prevalence of STHs was highest in children who were underweight 23(6.5%), and least in children with normal weight 3(4.2%) based on Body Mass Index (BMI) (χ²=0.483; P=0.87). The highest rate of infection was recorded among children who walked barefoot 26(5.9%) (χ²=0.627; P=0.428), while those who washed their hands before and after eating had the least 9(2.9%), (OR=1.489; χ²=12.324; P=0.301). Those who used stream as their source of drinking water had the highest prevalence 5(35.7%) and the least were those who used Borehole 2(3.1), (χ²=27.495, P=0.521). Overall, there was a statistically significant difference observed in the study, except for BMI, which showed no significant difference. The prevalence of STHs infection in this study, though not high, could be used as a basis for continuous effective de-worming intervention programs by government agencies concerned. Keywords: Soil Transmission Helminths, Risk Factors, Body Mass Index, Children, Infection