Intestinal Helminths Infestation in Children Attending Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a major health threat to humans especially children throughout the world, mostly in developing nations including Ghana. The present de-worming program by the Ministry of Health is only for children of school-going age, hence occupational risk groups and non-school going children may remain as sources of infection throughout the year. Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infestation and associated risk factors among children attending Princess Marie children Hospital, in Accra Ghana. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 225 children was conducted between May 2015 to June 2015. Each participant was selected using consecutive sampling method that is every patient available who meet inclusion was recruited. Questionnaire and observations were used to identify socio-demographic and associated risk factors. Fresh stool samples were examined using light microscopy to identify the helminth parasites and the type of species. Data were analyzed using Stata version 12 statistical software. Results: Two species of intestinal helminths were identified with an overall prevalence of 17.33% (39 out of 225 children). The predominant intestinal parasites was Hookworm with a prevalence of 10.22% (23/225) and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.11%; 16/225). There was no double or triple infestation observed. Significant associations were observed between intestinal helminth infestation and age group beyond 47 months, place of residence, washing hands after using toilet and dirt on the fingernails of children (P<0.05). Conclusions: Significant associations were observed between intestinal helminth infestation and age group beyond 47 months, place of residence, washing hands after using toilet and dirt on the fingernails of children. Interventional programs such as deworming should be promptly commenced at Princess Marie Louise Children Hospital that should target every child attending the hospital. The control strategy that should be initiated for STH should involve periodic ant-helminthic drugs treatment of children at the risk area, particularly school-age children and non-school age children with age 0-17 years old. Keywords: Intestinal helminths, Infestation, children, Soil-transmitted helminths, Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Princess Marie children Hospital.