Assessment of the Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Management Practices of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Children in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and management practices related to these infections among children in Imo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January, 2024 to February, 2025, in selected primary schools across Owerri and Orlu zones of Imo State. Total of 2,304 stool samples from children aged 5–13 years were collected and examined using Direct wet-mount technique, Kato-Katz technique and formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and management practices regarding intestinal parasitic infections. Statistical analysis was performed with R programmer version 4.4.2. The overall prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections was 53.04%, with significantly higher rates in rural (56.06%) than urban areas (49.96%). Ascaris lumbricoides (28.73%) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Hookworm (16.88%), Strongyloides stercoralis (14.50%). Entamoeba histolytica (12.11%) Schistosoma mansoni (10.29%), Trichuris trichiura (9.98%). Taenia species (7.34%) and Giardia lamblia (7.34%). The study highlights notable urban-rural disparities in knowledge, hygiene practices, and management of intestinal parasitic infections. Urban participant demonstrated higher awareness (94.92%) compared to rural participants (86.49%). Preventive measures were also more common in urban areas, where 73.94% had recently dewormed, compared to 53.40% in rural areas. Urban residents had greater access to hospitals (95%) than rural areas (29.10%). To reduce intestinal parasitic infections in children, the study recommends improving sanitation and safe water access, increasing health education, strengthening school deworming programs and rural healthcare.