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.
LAURETTA, A (2023). 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.. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Dec 04, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/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-7-2
ADAKU, LAURETTA. "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." Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 08 Nov. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/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-7-2. Accessed 04 Dec. 2024.
ADAKU, LAURETTA. "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.". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 08 Nov. 2023. Web. 04 Dec. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/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-7-2 >.
ADAKU, LAURETTA. "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." Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2023). Accessed 04 Dec. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/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-7-2