Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths Among Market Farmers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State

Soil-transmitted helminths continue to affect millions of Nigerians engaged in subsistence farming, particularly in communities with inadequate sanitation infrastructure. This cross-sectional parasitological study determined the prevalence and species distribution of intestinal helminths among market farmers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Stool samples were collected from 200 consenting farmers and processed using the Kato-Katz technique and formal-ether concentration method. Egg identification was based on established morphological criteria. Sociodemographic data were obtained through structured questionnaires. The overall helminth prevalence was 52 percent. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species at 31.5 percent, followed by Trichuris trichiura at 18 percent and hookworm species at 12 percent. Mixed infections were documented in 22.5 percent of positive cases. Absence of toilet facilities in farmland settings, barefoot farming, and use of night soil as fertilizer were significantly associated with helminth infection. Regular deworming campaigns targeting farming communities, provision of sanitary facilities in agricultural zones, and health education on personal protective practices are advocated. These findings contribute to the growing evidence base for community-directed soil-transmitted helminth control programs in the South West zone. Keywords: intestinal helminths, Ascaris, farmers, Ogbomoso, soil-transmitted infection.