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
Related Articles
- EP ID EP336249
- DOI 10.9734/AJMAH/2017/34393
- Views 97
- Downloads 0
Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Blood Pressure and Complete Blood Count in Hemodialysis Patients
Objectives: Zinc is an important trace element in human nutrition and its deficiency is a worldwide problem. Zinc deficiency incidence is predominantly high in many diseases such as ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) patient...
Theoretical Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Some Nigerian Primary and Secondary School Teachers
Background / Aim of Study: Although the teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to of primary and secondary schools teachers is highly recommended and practiced internationally for the purposes of increasing pote...
Head and Neck Sarcomas: Demographic and Histological Characteristics in a Tertiary Hospital of a Developing Country
Background: Head and neck sarcomas are rare connective tissue malignancies affecting all age groups and any of the anatomical sites of the head and neck region. Aim: Is to describe the demographic, anatomic and histologi...
Internal Medicine as a Career Choice by Medical Undergraduates in a Developing Country
Career choice is a very crucial decision for medical students. Information regarding area of specialization of medical students is important to plan human resources for health and ensure a fair, equitable and quality hea...
Effect of Crude Ethanol Leaf-extract of Murraya koenigii on Anxiety in Mice
Herbs are used the world over for culinary purposes and treating a host of ailments including mental disorders. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the effects of curry plant (Murraya koenigii), commonly used as spi...