Published in Volume 4, Issue 1
Geohelminthiasis and Schistosomiasis remain among the most common neglected tropical
diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting school-age children due to high
exposure to poor sanitation and unsafe water. This study assessed the prevalence, co-infection
patterns, and associated risk factors of Geohelminthiasis and Schistosomiasis among school-age
children in Awka North LGA, Anambra State. A cross-sectional survey of 400 children aged 5–
15 years was conducted. Stool and urine samples were examined microscopically using wet
mount, formol-ether concentration, urine filtration, and sedimentation techniques. Structured
questionnaires captured socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors. Data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at p<0.05. The overall prevalence of infection
was 70.0%. Geohelminthiasis was recorded in 136 children (34.0%), Schistosomiasis in 96
(24.0%), and co-infection in 48 (12.0%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common
geohelminth (18.0%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (7.0%) and hookworms (5.0%). Only
Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni were detected, with prevalence rates of 14.0% and
10.0%, respectively. Co-infection was dominated by hookworm + S. haematobium (41.7%). Significant risk factors included source of drinking water (χ²=10.42, p=0.037), swimming in
rivers (χ²=12.00, p=0.002), toilet type (χ²=25.61, p<0.001), and lack of footwear (χ²=30.22, p<0.001). Geohelminthiasis and Schistosomiasis remain highly prevalent among school-age
children in Awka North, with notable co-infection rates. Interventions should prioritize regular
school-based deworming, improved sanitation and water supply, and health education tailored to
high-risk communities.
Obieze Ogechukwu Uzoma, Igbodika Mary-Jude Chiamaka, ², Ekesiobi Anthony Obinna (2026). PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF GEOHELMINTHIASISAND SCHISTOSOMIASIS CO-INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN AWKA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA. Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences, Volume 4, Issue 1, 80-96.
Obieze Ogechukwu Uzoma, Igbodika Mary-Jude Chiamaka, ², Ekesiobi Anthony Obinna. "PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF GEOHELMINTHIASISAND SCHISTOSOMIASIS CO-INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN AWKA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA". Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences, Volume 4, Issue 1, 2026, pp. 80-96.
Obieze Ogechukwu Uzoma, Igbodika Mary-Jude Chiamaka, ², Ekesiobi Anthony Obinna. "PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF GEOHELMINTHIASISAND SCHISTOSOMIASIS CO-INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN AWKA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA". Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences Volume 4, Issue 1 (2026): 80-96.
@article{prevalenceandriskfactorsofgeohelminthiasisandschistosomiasiscoinfectionsamongschoolagechildreninawkanorthlgaanambrastatenigeria2026,
author = {Obieze Ogechukwu Uzoma, Igbodika Mary-Jude Chiamaka, ², Ekesiobi Anthony Obinna},
title = {PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF GEOHELMINTHIASISAND SCHISTOSOMIASIS CO-INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN AWKA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA},
journal = {Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences},
year = {2026},
volume = {Volume 4, Issue 1},
pages = {80-96}
}
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