Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Primary School Pupils in Elmina, A Fishing Community in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in the developing world, particularly among communities with low socioeconomic status. Many of these infections are very often neglected making them a major public health problem. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among primary school pupils in Elmina, a fishing community in the Central Region of Ghana. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, stool samples were obtained from two hundred (200) healthy school pupils selected randomly from four different schools in the community. Structured questionnaires were administered to participants to obtain data relating to socio-demographic characteristics and known risk factors. Stool specimens were also examined for parasites using direct smear and formol-ether concentration techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was found to be 12.5%. They included 2 protozoans and 5 helminths: hookworm (4.5%), Giardia lamblia (2.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.0%), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (0.5%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.5%). Intestinal parasitic infection was also significantly higher in pupils who utilise tap water as source of drinking (p=0.019) as well as those who do not wash their hands after visiting the toilet (P=0.004). Sex, age and parent educational status of pupils showed no significant association with infection. Conclusion: The present study showed that intestinal parasitic infection is still a problem among primary school pupils in Elmina with poor personal hygiene habits and lack of access to safe drinking water being the main contributory factors.