The Effect of Water Sanitation and Hygiene on the Occurrence of Helminthiasis Infection in Tropical Communities of Nigeria.

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic helminthic infections posed a major public health challenge in an undeveloped countries like Nigeria over years, with an increasing in sustaining risk factors which include open defecation, poor personal and food hygiene, and poor environment sanitation. This study aimed at the assessment of impact of water sanitation with hygiene intervention undertaken by EU and UNICEF and the occurrence of helminthiasis infection among inhabitants of Local Government Area of Aguata in Anambra State area of Nigeria. Informed consent was sought from the respondents, structured questionnaires were administered and fecal specimens were collected from 650 individuals. Direct wet mount with iodine solution and formal- ethyl ether concentration method were utilized in analyze the fecal specimens. The result indicated that out of 650 people that was examined 119(18.31%) were infected. The highest prevalence rate was recorded in Ascaris lumbricoides 27(4.15%), followed by Hookworm 11(1.69%), Trichuris trichiura 8(1.23%) and the least being Strongloides stercoralis 2(0.31%). Gastrointestinal helminthes infections not sex related as females 61(18.65%) were insignificantly infected more than the males 58(17.96%) (p ≥ 0.05).Age range of  31 – 40 years recorded highest prevalence rate of 21(25.93%) followed by 11 – 20 years, 36(19.35%); > 40 years 11(18.97), 21 – 30 years 28(16.97) whereas 0 – 10 years recorded the least prevalence of 23 (14.38%). This study reveals that water sanitation and hygiene intervention exerted a significant positive impact due to the low overall prevalence of helminthes infections recorded. Sustainability of this program with adequate funding from both government and individual in the communities are recommended