Abstract

This survey was carried out among school children in Amakalakala community in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections. 100 faecal samples from the schools made up of 41 males and 59 females were collected and analyzed using direct smear method. In all, 19(19.00%) were infected, with 15(15.0%) having Ascaris lumbricoides followed by 4(4.0%) having Necator sp. Males, 19.51%, were more infected than the females, 18.64% (p<0.05). By age, the 8-10year old children had the highest prevalence rates – 20.00% and 21.67% for A. lumbricoides and Necator sp respectively followed by those within the 5-7 year old range with 11.11% and 6.67% for A. lumbricoides and Necator sp respectively (p>0.05). Most of the children used the waterside for defaecation. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the infection pattern for the socio-demographic data. Most of the children used the waterside for defaecation but no significant difference (P>0.05) in the infection pattern for the sociodemographic data was recorded. It is recommended that periodic surveillance of school children for intestinal helminthiasis should be part of the public health activities.



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