RESEARCH ARTICLE
Year : 2007 | Volume
: 6 | Issue : 1 | Page : 17--21
Intestinal parasitism, potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal in three communities in benue state, Nigeria: A survey
GTA Jombo1, DZ Egah2, JT Akosu3
1 Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
3 Department of Community Health, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
GTA Jombo
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P M B 1115 Calabar
Nigeria
Background : To assess the level of parasite burden in a village community and the predisposing factors.
Methods : Two hundred subjects each were recruited from three communities- Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo during an episode of free medical outreach. A simple random sampling method was adopted and a questionnaire was interviewer administered on relevant aspects of basic hygiene such as- sources of water supply, methods of domestic sewage disposal and frequency of hand washing. Stool samples were collected and tested and findings analysed using appropriate statistical methods, p values < 0.05 were considered significant.
Results : The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities was found to be 71.5%, 65.5% and 40.5% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest parasite in the three centres (34.5%, 28.5% and 19.0% respectively for Tyogbenda, Jato-Aka and Adikpo communities). Other parasites identified were- Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris trichura. Multiple parasitic infestation was common in the communities where quality of water supply and methods of sewage disposal facilities were below standard.
Conclusion : The prevalence of intestinal parasitism is still high in Nigerian rural communities. The present resolve by the federal ministry of water resources to supply potable water to all Nigerian rural communities should be sustained. Furthermore, a health education program should be properly constituted and integrated into the present primary health care policy for the country.
How to cite this article:
Jombo G, Egah D Z, Akosu J T. Intestinal parasitism, potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal in three communities in benue state, Nigeria: A survey.Ann Afr Med 2007;6:17-21
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How to cite this URL:
Jombo G, Egah D Z, Akosu J T. Intestinal parasitism, potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal in three communities in benue state, Nigeria: A survey. Ann Afr Med [serial online] 2007 [cited 2023 Jan 29 ];6:17-21
Available from: https://www.annalsafrmed.org/article.asp?issn=1596-3519;year=2007;volume=6;issue=1;spage=17;epage=21;aulast=Jombo;type=0 |
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