Low Prevalence of Helminth Infections among Primary School Children in the Volta Region of Ghana

Journal Title: Asian Journal of Medicine and Health - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminths (STH), as well as Schistosoma haematobium and mansoni, are very common helminth infections among children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of helminth infection among children in the Volta Region of Ghana. This was a cross sectional study involving primary school children from 5 primary schools in 3 districts in the region. A total of 550 primary school children were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires were administered to each child, together with collection of stool and urine samples. Samples were then examined using the microscope to detect the presence of larvae and eggs of intestinal helminths as well as Schistosoma parasites. Pearson chi square test was used to evaluate the association between Schistosoma sp. and other variables in the study. Only 1.27% (7/550) of children in this study were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and 0.91% (5/550) with hookworm. A single child was infected with Schistosoma mansoni, and 57(10.36%) children were infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Highest prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections were seen in primary school children at the Afegame Evangelical Presbyterian primary school (34, 27.64%) and Davanu primary school (14, 17.72%). The low prevalence of helminth infection among the school children in this study might suggest a positive impact of the periodic deworming program for the children. This effort should be intensified, especially among the poor and vulnerable groups in the region.

Authors and Affiliations

Verner N. Orish, Jones Ofori-Amoah, Kokou Hefoume Amegan-Aho, Lennox Mac-Ankrah, Ibrahim Jamfaru, Innocent Afeke, Festus K . Adzaku5

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP336249
  • DOI 10.9734/AJMAH/2017/34393
  • Views 102
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Verner N. Orish, Jones Ofori-Amoah, Kokou Hefoume Amegan-Aho, Lennox Mac-Ankrah, Ibrahim Jamfaru, Innocent Afeke, Festus K . Adzaku5 (2017). Low Prevalence of Helminth Infections among Primary School Children in the Volta Region of Ghana. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 5(1), 1-9. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-336249