Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites Prevalence among Primary School Pupils in Gboko Metropolis –Benue, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Gboko
metropolis. The population of the study consist of 180 pupils between 1-15 years selected from four primary
schools in Gboko and their faecal samples obtained, transported and processed in the laboratory using
formol-ether concentration technique, after which the parasites found were identified with an Atlas chart.
Results were analyzed in relation to age, sex and general comparism of the pupils, using simple
percentage. The results showed a high prevalence (25.2%) and the parasite strongyloides stercoralis
showed highest prevalence rate (35.7%). Out of the total 180 pupils (96 males and 84 females) 159 were
infected with percentage of 84.9% and the prevalence of parasitic infection among the pupils in relation to
age showed that 11-15 years had the highest rate 41(22.7%). The study draws attention to the health
hazards posed by gastrointestinal parasitic infection among school pupils, so the need for decisive control
cannot be overemphasized.