ABSTRACT

A study of the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was conducted in six primary schools in Eziama Ngor Okpala L.G.A. Imo State from June to August 2005 using the formal ether concentration technique. Out of 876 stool samples obtained from pupils aged 5 to 16 years examined for eggs of g mansoni only 22 (2.51%) were positive. The highest prevalence by school was recorded in community primary school Egbelubi 5(3.97%) followed by community primary school Umuchukwu 4(3.33%) and community school Umuokoro 4(3.03%). The location of the school has significant effect (F 34.000 p < 0.05) on infected pupils. The highest prevalence by class was recorded in class IV with 6(4.11%) pupils infected. Male children had higher infection rate 15(1 1.37%) than the female counterpart 7(6.77%). Children of age group 1 1-l3years 11(3.06%) had the highest infection rate. A significant association in prevalence between the age group and sex of pupils was observed X210.0 18, df= p < 0.05). Children whose parents' occupation are farming had highest prevalence rate 16(3.33%). There is no association (X20.349, p > 0.05) between occupation of pupils parents and pupils sex. Pupils that use pond as source of water had the highest prevalence, 16(10%) pupil that defecate at any nearby bush have the highest infection rate 5(3.4%). The results of the study therefore suggest that intestinal schistosomiasis is present in Eziama, Ngor Okpala L.G.A, Imo State.