02399nas a2200277   4500000000100000008004100001260004500042653001200087653002500099653001300124653002500137653001700162653001500179653003100194100001200225700001400237700001500251700001500266700001300281245015700294856007100451300001400522490000600536520156500542022001402107       2026                            d  c07/2026bGhalib University, Kabul Branch10aNigeria10aschool-aged children10aHookworm10aAscaris lumbricoides10aRisk factors10aPrevalence10aSoil-transmitted helminths1 aOanh EI1 aYahaya UA1 aDeborah DM1 aAnthony VP1 aDikwa KB00aPrevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-Transmitted Helmin-thiasis among School-Aged Children in Jos North and Jos South, Plat-eau State, Nigeria  uhttps://www.ajid.ghalib.edu.af/index.php/ajid/article/view/164/198  a171 - 1820 v43 a<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>

<p>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a public health concern among children in low-resource settings. We aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of STH infections among school-aged children in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, Plateau State, Nigeria.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong></p>

<p>This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and November 2024 among 1,200 pupils selected following the WHO guidelines. Stool samples were examined using the formal-ether concentration technique, and structured questionnaires were used to assess potential risk factors. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression at a 95% confidence level.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>

<p>The overall prevalence of STH infection was 2.5%. Ascaris lumbricoides (1.7%) was the most prevalent species, followed by hookworm (0.8%). No statistically significant associations were observed between infection and sex or age (P &gt; 0.05), although children aged 9–12 years had the highest prevalence (2.9%). Multivariate analysis identified access to well water as a significant protective factor against infection (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.56, P = 0.01).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p>

<p>Despite the relatively low prevalence, ongoing transmission risks remain. Strengthening WASH interventions alongside targeted school-based health education is essential to sustain progress toward the WHO 2030 STH control targets.</p>
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