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All Journal Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Agere H.I.J.
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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 of Human Gastrointestinal Helminths among Residents of Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria Ibrahim J. M.; Agere H.I.J.; Anongo M.C.; Mijah A.K.; Usman I M.; Brown S.T.C
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.v3i1.8302

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among residents of Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 400 stool samples were collected from males and females aged 5–60 years across five wards (Bantaje, East, Puje, Hospital, and AVYI) using a cross-sectional descriptive design. Samples were examined microscopically by Kato-Katz, flotation, and sedimentation methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, with chi-square tests applied at p < 0.05. Out of the 400 samples examined, 194 (48.5%) were positive for one or more helminths. Five species were identified: Ascaris lumbricoides (21.5%), Ancylostoma duodenale (14.25%), Taenia solium (7.25%), Trichuris trichiura (4.5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.0%). Prevalence varied significantly by ward (χ² = 11.64, p = 0.03) and age group (χ² = 32.57, p = 0.0001), with the highest infection rates recorded in AVYI Ward (56%) and among individuals aged 10–19 years (72%). Females (51.9%) had a slightly higher prevalence than males (47.2%), though this difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.38, p = 0.54). The findings indicate that intestinal helminthiasis remains endemic in Wukari Metropolis, driven largely by poor sanitation, open defecation, and unsafe water sources. Integrated control measures involving periodic deworming, improved sanitation, access to clean water, and health education are recommended to curb transmission and improve public health outcomes.
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.
Prevalence and Determinants of Haemoparasitic Protozoal Infections among Children Attending Selected Public and Private Health Facilities in Numan Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria E.P Yafiryau; Mijah A.K.; Agere H.I.J.; John-Zakka U.E.; Nengean S.H.
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.v3i1.8314

Abstract

Haemoparasitic protozoal infections, particularly malaria, pose a substantial public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on facility-specific prevalence in underserved regions such as Numan Metropolis, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections among children attending public and private health facilities and identify key determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 children aged 1–15 years recruited via multistage sampling from four facilities (two public, two private) in Numan Metropolis. Thick blood films were stained with 10% Giemsa for 30 minutes and examined microscopically for Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Babesia species, with parasite density classified per World Health Organization guidelines. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessed demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests for associations (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from the Adamawa State Ministry of Health Institutional Review Board. Overall prevalence was 45.0% (180/400), predominantly Plasmodium falciparum (100% of positives; no Trypanosoma or Babesia detected). Prevalence was higher in private facilities (52.0%) than public ones (38.0%; χ² = 7.92, p = 0.005). Light infections predominated (61.67%), with no significant intensity differences across facilities (χ² = 0.45, p = 0.931). Significant associations included stagnant water exposure (χ² = 12.3, p = 0.001) and inconsistent insecticide-treated net (ITN) use (χ² = 9.8, p = 0.002); no significant age or gender differences were observed (χ² = 2.1, p = 0.35 and χ² = 0.4, p = 0.53, respectively). Complications included anemia (45.0% of cases) and school absenteeism (73.0%). Haemoparasitic infections remain highly endemic, exacerbated by environmental and behavioral risks. Targeted interventions, including enhanced ITN distribution and sanitation improvements, are essential to align with Nigeria's National Malaria Strategic Plan and Sustainable Development Goal 3. These findings underscore the need for equitable healthcare access in riverine settings.
Co-Authors Agbakyeni H.E Anongo M.C. Brown S.T.C E. P. Yafiryau E.P Yafiryau Elizabeth A. Ibrahim J. M. John-Zaka U. E. John-Zakka U.E. Joseph T. R. Mijah A. K. Mijah A.K. Nengean S.H. Ogbadu J. I Usman I M.