Assessment of Soil Transmitted Helminths among Children Under Five Years in Some Selected Local Government Areas in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in low-income countries. This study was conducted  across six selected LGAs in Taraba State, Nigeria, which aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs among children under five. The study  involved 2,283 children, and stool samples were collected and analyzed using standard parasitological techniques. The results showed  that 181 (7.9%) of the children were infected with STHs. Among the male children, 103 (8.9%) were infected, with hookworm being the  most common (4.6%). In contrast, 78 (7.7%) of the female children were infected, with hookworm also being the most prevalent (2.7%).  The study found that the overall prevalence of STHs was higher in males than females, but the difference was not statistically significant.  According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification, the study area was found to have moderate endemicity of STHs  infections. The study recommends strengthening routine deworming programs among under-five children to reduce the morbidity and  mortality associated with STHs infection.