Authors

T S Fafunwa³; H Mogaji⁴; A S Oluwole¹; A A Adeniran¹; M T Fagbenro¹; S O Sam-Wobo¹; B S Bada²; U F Ekpo¹;  ¹ Federal University of Agrciulture Abeokuta, Nigeria;  ² Federal University of Agrciulture, Abeokuta, Nigeria;  ³ Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria;  ⁴ Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria

Discussion

A study to investigate the burden of STH and status of WASH resources was conducted in eight rural communities in Osun State, Nigeria. Four of the communities were supported with improved water and hygiene resources (Category A), and another four supported only with improved water resources (Category B). 216 fresh stool samples were collected from consenting community members and screened for Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections. The status and condition of WASH resources were determined using questionnaire and physical observation. An overall prevalence of 35.2% was observed for any STH infection. Species' prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura prevalence was 33.8%, 22.7%, and 0.5% respectively. Intensity of STH infection was significantly higher in Category A communities than in Category B communities. The prevalence of STH in Category A communities was higher (42.0%) than that in Category B communities (30.1%). There were significant differences (p = 0.000) in STH infections between the two categories.The status of improved water supply was not significantly different (p =0.3153) in the two categories. Knowledge, attitude, and practices about STH, its transmission and control were low in both categories of communities. These results imply that current WASH provision which tends to focus on resource distribution, equity, and coverage, is unlikely to impact on STH transmission and control.