Abstract:
Background: Intestinal helminth infections acquired from contaminated environment cause morbidity and mortality worldwide.
These infections have persisted in some communities prompting the need to evaluate epidemiological determinants and plan for
intervention programs. Design and Setting: A6 months cross-sectional school-based study was undertaken in Nandi County, Kenya
to assess the prevalence and intensity of intestinal geohelminthiases in school children. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples
were analyzed by modified formal‑ether concentration technique. Whole sediment formed after centrifugation was transferred onto
a slide and examined microscopically. All helminth ova and larvae were isolated and identified based on morphological features and
enumerated. Chi-square statistic test was used to analyze and make comparisons of variables. Results: Of a total of 2000 stool
samples collected, 73.9% (n = 1478) were analyzed while 26.1% (n = 524) were discarded due to contamination. Ascariasis was
most prevalent accounting for 42–74% compared to trichuriasis 16–38% and hookworm disease 6–41%. There was no significance
difference in prevalence among study sites and between sexes (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference in age group‑specific
prevalence (P < 0.05) was established. Analysis of sex‑specific prevalence indicated that males had a higher prevalence than
females (P < 0.05). Infection intensities were light in all sites and sexes. Conclusions: Intestinal geohelminthiases prevalence
was high and was evidence of a major public health problem. The findings present a basis and good reference demonstrating
the distribution pattern of geohelminths in school children. Relevant and appropriate treatment should be undertaken for those
infected and plans for community-wide preventive measures should be initiated.
