Water and Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among Pupils in Selected Primary Schools in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study investigated the prevalence of water and soil-transmitted helminths (WSTHs) among pupils in two selected primary schools in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 pupils (60 from Nukkai Model Primary School and 60 from UBE NTA Primary School). Stool samples were collected and analyzed using the formol-ether concentration method. Data on socio-demographics and risk factors were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The overall prevalence of WSTH infection was 61.7%. Nukkai Model Primary School had a higher prevalence (63.3%) compared to UBE NTA Primary School (60.0%), with no significant difference between the schools (P = 0.707). The helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. Ascaris lumbricoides had a significantly higher prevalence (50.8%) than hookworm (10.8%). Male pupils had a higher infection rate (70.9%) than females (53.8%), though this was not statistically significant (P = 0.055). Risk factor analysis revealed that pupils who ate food within the school premises and those who did not wash fruits before consumption had a significantly higher risk of infection (P = 0.000). The study concludes that WSTH infections are prevalent among school children in Jalingo, with A. lumbricoides being the most common. Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing fruits before eating, are significant contributing factors. It is recommended that schools implement comprehensive health education programs, improve sanitation facilities, and ensure access to clean water.