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All Journal Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Mijah A. K.
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Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Environmental Science Immunology & microbiology Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Social Sciences

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Secondary School Students in Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria Joseph T. R.; Mijah A. K.; Elizabeth A.; Ogbadu J. I; Agbakyeni H.E; Agere H.I.J.
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 1 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i1.8286

Abstract

Intestinal protozoan infections continue to pose public health challenges among school-aged children in developing regions, particularly where sanitation, water quality, and hygiene practices are inadequate. This study assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal protozoan infections among secondary school students in Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used to sample 400 students from five public secondary schools. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques, while structured questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, hygiene behaviour, sanitation practices, and knowledge levels. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 6.75% (95% CI: 4.5–9.0%), comprising Giardia lamblia (3.25%) and Entamoeba histolytica (3.50%). Maramara Government Day and Yakasaen Government Day Schools recorded the highest prevalence (10.0% each), while Government Day School had the lowest (2.5%). The difference in prevalence across schools was not statistically significant (χ² = 5.864; p = 0.661), indicating that risk factors are likely widespread across the metropolis rather than localized within specific schools. Several behavioural and environmental factors contributed to infection risk, including inconsistent handwashing before meals (38.15%), use of unsafe water sources such as streams (9.98%), and open defecation at home (19.95%) and in schools (12.22%). Knowledge gaps were substantial, as 62.84% of students were unaware of intestinal parasites, while 52.12% did not understand transmission routes. Domestic animal ownership (63.53%), irregular footwear use, and low deworming history further increased susceptibility. The findings demonstrate a moderate burden of intestinal protozoa driven by modifiable risk factors. Strengthening school-based health education, improving sanitation facilities, ensuring access to safe water, and implementing routine deworming programs are essential to reducing protozoal transmission and improving student health outcomes in Wukari Metropolis.
Prevalence and Determinants of Schistosoma haematobium and Ascaris lumbricoides Infections among Primary School Pupils in Bantaje Ward, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria Nengean S.H.; Mijah A. K.; E. P. Yafiryau; John-Zaka U. E.; Agere H.I.J.
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8312

Abstract

Schistosomiasis and ascariasis remain major causes of morbidity among school-aged children in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities is inadequate. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of Schistosoma haematobium and Ascaris lumbricoides infections among primary school pupils in Bantaje Ward, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 pupils aged 5–16 years selected from six primary schools using multistage sampling. Urine and stool samples were examined microscopically for S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides using sedimentation and direct wet mount techniques, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, sanitation, water contact, and hygiene behaviours. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29, and associations were determined using chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides infections were 13.3% and 16.4%, respectively. Pupils who used rivers and streams for domestic activities recorded significantly higher prevalence of S. haematobium infection (p = 0.002), while swimming and fishing were the main risk factors. For A. lumbricoides, open defecation (p = 0.001) and eating food dropped on the ground were significant determinants of infection. Treatment-seeking behaviour was generally poor, with many pupils taking no action when symptomatic. The study revealed moderate endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis and ascariasis among primary school children in Bantaje Ward, driven largely by unsafe water contact, poor sanitation, and unhygienic practices. Integrated control measures combining periodic mass drug administration with improved WASH facilities, behavioural change communication, and strengthened school-based health education are recommended to reduce infection transmission and the associated disease burden in the area.
Co-Authors Agbakyeni H.E Agere H.I.J. E. P. Yafiryau Elizabeth A. John-Zaka U. E. Joseph T. R. Nengean S.H. Ogbadu J. I