Socio-Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors Associated with Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections Among Primary School Children in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain an important public-health problem among school-aged children, particularly in communities with inadequate sanitation and hygiene. This study assessed the prevalence and socio-demographic and environmental factors associated with STH infections among primary school children in Hong Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pupils aged 3–12 years in six selected primary schools from April to September, 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, while stool samples were examined using the Formol-Ether concentration technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Of 380 pupils examined, 104 (27.37%) were infected. Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (14.47%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (7.89%) and hookworm (5.00%). Prevalence was highest among pupils from households practising open defecation (36.47%) and lowest among those using water-closet facilities (17.43%). Faecal-disposal method was significantly associated with infection (χ² = 9.217, p = 0.010), whereas parental occupation, water source, footwear use, deworming history, school, gender and age were not significant. The findings highlight the need for improved sanitation, sustained deworming and health education to reduce STH transmission.