Comparative Assessment the Prevalence of Ascariasis among Primary School Pupils

Abstract

A study was conducted to ascertain the state of Ascariasis among pupils in Nursery and Primary Schools in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Faecal samples were obtained from 150 Pupils in 5 Nursery and Primary Schools. From the result, the sex prevalence was higher in female than in male, which is 52% and 36% respectively. It also indicated that the age group 6 – 14 has higher prevalence than 15 and above, which is 20% and 10% respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between males and females. From questioner, the prevalence in relation to toilet facility showed that highest rate of infection is recorded in users of Pit Latrine 22%, followed nearby bush 16% and Water closet 6% the prevalence in relation to source of Drinking water includes 12% for Borehole, 10% stream, 10% for Pipe born water, 8% for reservoir and 8% for packet water, respectively. The study indicated high prevalence of Ascariasis among Primary School Pupils. The need for health education, intermittent deworming, provision of infrastructural amenities and need for improved faecal disposal facilities.