Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among School Pupils at PRESEC Staff Primary School

Abstract

Background: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are classified as diseases predominantly affecting people in the tropical region at large. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a group of intestinal worms that infect both adults and children with a range of medical and surgical conditions. Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) is a classic example of numerous NTDs. The burden of STH infection among school children continues to pose a threat and of austere public health importance. The present study aimed at establishing the prevalence of STH among school pupils at Presec Staff Primary school located in the La Nkwantanang Municipal in the Greater Accra Region as well as assess their knowledge level on worm infection. Preventive measures put in place by the school to address the spread of worm infection were also observed. Method: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative method was used to obtain data for the study. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 217 pupils for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants demographic characteristics as well as knowledge on STH while the Formal-ether concentration technique was used to examine the stool samples participants for helminth infections. STATA v15 was statistical software used in analysing data obtained from the study. Descriptive statistics were reported in terms of frequencies and percentages for categorical variables while that of continuous variables were reported in terms of means and standard deviations. Test of association between categorical independent variables and the outcome variable was done using the chi-square or Fishers' exact test of independence. The Welch t-test was used to compare the mean ages among children with and without STH infection. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of independent variables on the prevalence of STH infection. Results: The results of the study showed an overall prevalence of 16% STH in the stools of participants. The types of STH identified in the stools of participants after laboratory tests were Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus and Trichuris trichiura. Parasitological examination of Ascaris lumbricoides constituted 12.44%, Ancylostoma duodenale, 1.84% and Trichuris trichiura, 1.84%. Soil-Transmitted Helminths infection was significantly higher in male (P<0.05), those who lived in compound houses (P<0.05). The study participants had a fair knowledge of STH infections. The availability of toilet and handwashing facilities were some of the measures put in place by the school authorities to address reduce the risk factors associated with STH infections. Conclusion: There is an appreciable prevalence of STH among school pupils at Presec Staff Primary school and this was significantly associated with males and those who lived in compound houses. Appropriate measure to improve the knowledge of pupils on STH as well as promoting good personal hygiene practices is recommended.