ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of soil transmitted helminths among pregnant women in Amaoba, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria and to determine the socio-environmental factors including knowledge, attitude and management of disease in Amaoba community. The stool sample was collected from the study population and examined using formalin ether sedimentation method and questionnaires were administered. Out ofthe 54 fecal sample collected 20 (37.03%) were infected with soil transmitted helminthes. The soil transmitted helminthes identified were hook worm 8 (14.41%), Ascaris lumbricoides 5 (9.26%) Trichuris tiichuria 5 (9.26%) and taenia species 2 (3.70%). Among the age groups examined 20-29 had higher prevalence but were not significantly different (P<0.05) while the age group 30-39 had lesser prevalence. From demographic, evaluation ofthe respondent, 71.4% ofwomen in the study were pregnant fbr the first time, while 100% ofthe respondent had access to toilet. The result showed that 78.6% ofwomen do not wash fruit before eating the fruit. This is an indication that most of the women lack good food hygiene. The finding showed high prevalence ofsoil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst pregnant women in Amaoba in Abia State, Nigeria. This emphasizes the need for potable water supply and safe sewage disposal systems in the community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table ofContents v

List ofTables vii

List of Figures viii

List of Plates ix

Abstract

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background ofthe study

1.2 Statement ofproblem 5

1.3 Aims and Objectives ofthe study 6

1.4 Scope and limitations ofstudy 7

1.5 Significance ofthe study 

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Soil-transmitted helminthes

2.1.1 Prevalence of Soil-transmitted helminthes 8

2.1.2 Factors Affecting Transmission 9

2.2 A. lutnbricoides 13

2.3 Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) 

CHAPTERS 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area 19

3.2 Sampling Procedure 19

3.3 Study Variables 20

3.4 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 20

3.5 Ethical consideration and confidentiality Permission 20

3.6 Questionnaire Distribution for information 20

3.7 Collection ofstool specimen 21

3.8 Examination ofsamples for soil-transmitted helminthes 21

3.9 Data analysis 22

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Results 23

4.2 Discussions 32

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion 34

5.2 Recommendations 34

References 35

Appendix

Questionnaire

LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

4.1 Observed soil transmitted helminths among pregnant women in Amaoba 24

community (number examined = 54)

4.2 Prevalence of mixed infections of soil transmitted helminths in Amaoba 25

community (number examined = 54)

4.3 Prevalence ofsoil transmitted helminths with respect to age 26

4.4 Evaluation of economic status and knowledge ofrespondents on worms 28

4.5 Demographic characteristics ofrespondents 29

4.6 Evaluation ofthe sanitary attitude ofthe respondents

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

2.1 Life Cycles and Morphology ofA. lumbricoides (Adopted from Chiodini et aL, 13

2001)

2.2 Life Cycles and Morphology of Trichuris trichiura (Adopted from Chiodini et 16

al„ 2001)

LIST OF PLATES

Table Title Page

1 Pictorial illustration ofthe observed Taenia species 36

2 Pictorial illustration ofthe observed Ascaris egg 37

3 Pictorial illustration ofthe observed Hook Worm egg 37

4 Pictorial illustration ofthe observed Trichuris egg 38