Prevalence Of Intestinal Helminths And Evaluation Of Heal Th Knowledge And Risk Factors Associated With The Diseases Among The Students Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike:- Onyemachi, Lauretta A.

ABSTRACT

 Soil transmitted helminthes are known to be endemic in developing tropical countries. A study was conducted on the prevalence, health knowledge and risk factors of intestinal helminthes among undergraduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Ahia State, Nigeria. A total of 150 faecal samples collected from students were microscopically examined for the presence of helminthes using direct wet smear and formol ether concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire was used for collection of data on sociodemographic and personal health habits associated with the intestinal helminthes. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using the chi square analysis. Out of the 150 samples examined, 63 (42%) were male, while 87 (58%) were females. Out of these 150 subjects, 109 (72.67%) were infected comprising of 43 (39.45%) males and 66 (60.55%) females. There was significant difference in gender related prevalence (P <0.05) Three different helminthes were observed. These included Ascaris lubricoides (59.63%), Hookworm (22.02%) and Trichuris trichuria (18.35%). Out of the total number infected, those living in the hostel were higher 78 (84. 78%) than those off campus 31 (53.45%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most encountered helm.inth in the study 65(59.63%). This was due to lack of access to clean water, basic social amenities and poor personal hygiene of the subjects especially those who use rain water and borehole water as their main source of water and also those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places. The result of this study therefore shows that intestinal helminthes are prevalent among students of MOUAU. To reduce the prevalence of helminth infections, there should be provision of social amenities and free medical care , level of environmental sanitation and good water supply should be improved. Treatment with antihelminthic drugs is also encouraged.