Prevalence and pattern of intestinal parasites among pupils of private and public primary schools in an urban centre, Nigeria

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Date
2017-03-10
Authors
Ajayi, E.O
Elechi, H.A
Alhaji, M.A
Adeniyi, O.F
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics
Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is highly prevalent among children in the tropics. Identifying the most at risk group and subsequent targeted intervention will lead to cost effective and easy to implement control programme. We thus aim to determine the prevalence and pattern of intestinal parasite among pupils from public and private schools. Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited through multistage stratified random sampling. Information were collected using a questionnaire and early morning freshly passed stool sample was collected and processed from each participating pupil. Stool microscopy was done using saline and iodine preparations.Eggs were counted using Stoll’s method. Data obtained was analyzed using EPI INFO version 3.5.1. Results: Four hundred and twenty pupils were studied, 210 pupils from each school type. Prevalence of 78.1% and 17.1% were recorded for the public and private Schools.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Intestinal Parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides, public school, private school, socioeconomic status.
Citation
Ajayi EO, Elechi HA, Alhaji MA, Adeniyi OF. Prevalence and pattern of intestinal parasites among pupils of private and public primary schools in an urban centre, Nigeria. Niger J Paediatr 2017; 44 (2): 56 – 62