Risks of intestinal helminthiasis in children living in orphanages in Benin city, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Risk factors  of intestinal helminthiasis include  

helminths isolated. Behavioural  aberrations were represented more behavioural aberrations such as  finger sucking, nail biting and pica  which had been found to enhance  intestinal ova transmission.  

Objectives: To determine risk fac tors of intestinal helminthiasis in poor personal hygiene/care, and  in infected subjects than the non

Subjects and Methods: Fresh stool  samples from 140 children (0 – 17  years) living in 10 orphanages in  Benin City, were analyzed using the  Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between  January-April, 2011.  

Results: Prevalence of intestinal  helminthiasis was 20.7%. Children  ages 12 – 17 years had highest  prevalence of intestinal helminths.  Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris  trichiura were the intestinal  infected children (χ2= 3.94, p =  0.047, O.R = 2.3).

use of common towel were the most  significant independent predictors  of intestinal helminthiasis (p =  0.017 and 0.028 respectively). Hand  washing with water and soap after  defeacation was significantly asso ciated with decreased prevalence of  intestinal helminthiasis (p = 0.016).  

Conclusion: Behavioural modifica tion, good personal hygiene and  provision of towels for each child  living in the orphanage should be  integral part of intestinal helminths  control in orphanages.  

 Key words: finger sucking,  helminthiasis, nail biting, pica, risk