The Impact of WASH Interventions in the control of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis in Primary Schools in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the impact of wash interventions in the control of soil transmitted hemlminthes in primary school pupils in relation to the type of toilet facilities, source of water, sex, age group as well as parental occupation was carried out in IhitteUboma LGA, Imo State, Nigeria between May to September, 2023. The study designs adopted for this study were the cross sectional survey and experimental analysis. Twelve primary schools were randomly selected and a total of 745 pupils were recruited. The pupils age ranged from 9 to 16 years and included primary 3,4 and 5 classes. Stool samples were collected at 4 weeks interval from the participants and a clean specimen bottle was given to the participants to take home. Standard parasitological procedures as well as structured questionnaires for collections of other relevant data. Out of the 745 stool sample collected 35.43% were infected with either one of two soil transmitted helminthes represented thus 79.17% Ascarislurubriroides, 32.95% Hookworm and 4.55% Trichuristricharia. There were prevalence variations among schools and mixed infections involving Ascans and Hookworms, 15.15%, Ascaris and trichuris, 1.89% and that between Hookworm and Trichuris, 0.39%. Male were slightly more infected than female pupils, while age group 10-12 had highest infection of 35.5%. Those who defecate in the bush had the highest infection rate of 37.89%, those that use water closet had the least infection of 33.12% while 85% of those who use stream as their main source of water were infected. Those whose parents are artesian were more infected 40% than the others. Generally, poor personal, environmental hygienes and lack of essential amenities had been attributed to the prevalence of the parasites, transmission and spread in the area. The prevalence level of 35.43% is worrisome, hence morbidity and or mortality rate could be reduce by improving on personal and environmental hygiene, provision of essential amenities and massive education of the people on the danger of the disease.

Keywords: Impact, WASH, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Primary Schools, Ihitte-Uboma