ABSTRACT

Three hundred and forty (340) stool samples from children aged 5-1 byears attending three primary schools in Umuahia-South L.G.A, Abia state were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites using direct smear and sodium chloride (NaCl) floatation techniques. Out of this number, 139 (40.88%) were infected. Six parasites were identified. These were Ascaris lumbricoides. hookworm. Trichuris triehiura. Entamoeba histolytica. Entamoeba coli and Taenia solium. The highest prevalence by school was recorded in Ogbodinibe/Umuodo Community School (48.76%), while the least prevalence was recorded in Umunwanwa Community School II (34.25%). The highest prevalence by class was recorded in class 3 (58.49%), while the least prevalence was in class 6 (11.54%). Gender-related infection showed that more males (45.10%) than females (35.70%) were infected. Age-related infection showed that the age group 5-7years had the highest rate of infection (56.94%). The highest rale of infection in relation to occupation of parents was recorded among pupils whose parents were involved in business (64.28%), while the least prevalence was in pupils whose parents were civil servants (32.45%). Regarding parents level of education, pupils whose parents had First School Leaving Certificate as highest education level recorded the highest infection rate (50.30%). Infection based on source of drinking water was highest in those that made use of harvested rain water (82.35%). The infection rate based on toilet facilities in the home was highest among those that use pit-latrine (44.15%) while the least infection w'as among those that used water closet system (11.76%). Infection rate based on refuse disposal type used was highest among those that used waste basket to put their refuse (94.81%). Based on level oi hygiene practice in the home, those that do not wash hands at all after toileting recorded the highest prevalence of infection (54.54%). Those who do not wash hands often before eating also recorded a high prevalence of (48.33%). Inlection based on washing of vegetables and fruits before eating was highest in those who do not often wash vegetables and fruits before eating (46.09%)