Journal of Disease and Global Health

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a common public health challenge in developing countries. It significantly undermines the health status of affected populations and consequently jeopardises economic development. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among pupils in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct microscopy and the Kato-Katz method. The prevalence of intestinal helminths varied significantly among age groups, and the results indicated that intestinal helminthiasis is prevalent in the study area. Of the 220 pupils examined, 67 (30.5%) were infected with STHs. The prevalence of specific helminth species was as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides 38 (17.2%), Ancylostoma duodenale 19 (8.6%), and Trichuris trichiura 10 (4.5%). The differences in prevalence among helminth species were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the intensity of most infection was light. Sex-related prevalence showed that females (29, 34.8%) were more infected than males (28, 25.9%). Regarding risk factors, open defecation (20, 51.3%) and finger-sucking habits (29, 41.4%) were the major sources of transmission, both being statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study highlights that STHs remain an important public health problem. Interventions are therefore imperative to address deficiencies in sanitation facilities, improper disposal of human faeces, insufficient access to potable water, poor personal hygiene, and substandard housing conditions.