Abstract
Gastro-intestinal parasites occur worldwide and pose a health challenge especially in rural areas. The problem is more among children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, the need to study the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites among primary school children in Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 436 children were enrolled for the study in five government primary schools in Amai: Ododo Primary School, Igwete Primary School, Nge Primary School, Ekum Primary School and Umubu Primary School. Stool samples were collected from the pupils and examined in the laboratory for the presence of parasites. Two different techniques used for the laboratory analysis were the direct wet mount and the formal – ether concentration technique. The overall prevalence rate was 50.00%. The highest prevalence rate was recorded in Ododo Primary School (68.52%) while the least prevalence rate was recorded in Nge Primary School (35.06%). The gastro-intestinal parasites observed were Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba species, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni. Males recorded a higher prevalence rate (51.34%) than females (48.58%). The age group 5-7 years recorded the highest prevalence rate (54.22%) while the age group 14-16 years recorded the least prevalence (42.86%). There was a significant difference (p< 0.05) between infection and the following: type of school and geographical location, source of drinking water at home, boiling of water before drinking it, and availability of toilet facility at home. Provision of toilets and safe drinking water in homes and schools, and proper environmental sanitation and hygiene are recommended.
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