Abstract
This study conducted cross-sectional and retrospective studies to investigate the burden of intestinal helminths among school-going children in Momba. Direct wet mount and Kato-Katz thick smears techniques were used to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasites, respectively. Out of 359 stool samples analysed, 28% were positive for intestinal parasites. Hookworm infections attributed to 10% of total infection, Ascaris lumbricoides 6%, Giardia lamblia 7%, and Entamoeba histolytica 5%. The prevalence of intestinal infection decreased with increasing age (p < 0.5). Hookworm was the most prevalent STH infection among children (p = 0.048). There was an association between taking ant-helminthic drugs and the absence of helminth infection in children (OR = 1.9, p < 0.05). No relationship existed between parents’ education level and the presence of STH infection among children (p > 0.05). Overall, children in Momba harboured low intensity helminths infection. The mean intensity of hookworm and ascaris infection decreased with age, with children between 5 to 14 years of age bearing higher burden (All p < 0.05). Retrospective study showed high prevalence of hookworm and Schistosoma haematobium among children below 7 years (p < 0.05). The paper recommends improved coverage of preventive chemotherapy and health education on proper hygiene and sanitation in the study area.
Recommended Citation
Zebius, Siame and B. Kidima, Winifrida
(2020)
"Status of Soil Transmitted Helminths Infection Among School-going Children in Momba, Mbeya,"
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 09
:
No.
2
, Article 7.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v9i2.55
Publication Date
11-19-2020
DOI
10.56279/jhss.v9i2.55