@article{31330,
  keywords = {Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), Geohelminthiases, Prevalence, Multiple parasitic infections, Associated risk factors, Children, Settlements, Nigeria},
  author = {Chinenye N and Eze N C and Nduka FO},
  title = {Geohelminth infections and associated risk factors among children living in selected shanty (batcher) settlements in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their associated risk factors among children living in some selected shanty settlements in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.<br />
<strong>Study Design: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study.<br />
<strong>Place and Duration</strong>: The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis Rivers State Nigeria, between March to September 2015.<br />
<strong>Methodology: </strong>Concentration Method (Sedimentation) was used to examine the stool samples according to Cheesbrough (2005). Questionnaire was also used to assess the associated risk factors.<br />
<strong>Results: </strong>Of the 414 randomly surveyed children 27.1% had parasitic infections, four types of helminths, Ascaris <em>lumbricoides </em>(15.0%), Hookworm (10.9%), <em>Trichuris trichiura </em>(1.0%) and&nbsp;<em>Strongyloides stercoralis </em>(0.2%) were recovered. Multiple parasitic infections were not recorded, and result showed a significant difference in the occurrence of species of geohelminths (p=0.000). The highest prevalence of 39.4% was observed among children living in Diobu II location. Difference in location prevalence was found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The males showed a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite infections (29.1%) than the females (25.0%). However, this was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Age distribution of the prevalence of infection did not show a definite pattern, but infection rate was highest among 9 – 10years. This observed difference in prevalence by age was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Comparing the distribution of parasites within the age groupings, hookworm infection was most encountered among 9-10 years while Ascaris <em>lumbricoides </em>infection was most frequent among children aged 7-8 years. Risk factor assessment showed that children who defecate on ground/field recorded the highest prevalence followed by those that use the pit latrine. The study also documented a very high prevalence of intestinal parasites amongst children who do not wear footwear.<br />
<strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ascaris, hookworms and trichuris were recorded in the study; these parasites are found prevalent in Nigeria and associated with poor infrastructure and unsanitary habits. Males showed a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite infections than the females and multiple parasitic infections were not recorded. Open defecation and non-usage of footwear were associated risk factors in the acquisition and distribution of geohelminth infections among the children.</p>
},
  year = {2018},
  journal = {International journal of tropical disease & health},
  volume = {29},
  pages = {1-8},
  url = {http://www.journalrepository.org/media/journals/IJTDH_19/2018/Feb/Eze2912018IJTDH39180.pdf},
  doi = {10.9734/IJTDH10.9734/IJTDH/2018/39180},
  language = {eng},
}