Intestinal Helminth Infections Among Vegetable Farmers in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Soil-transmitted helminthiases represent a significant public health challenge among farming communities in developing nations, with occupational exposure playing a critical role in transmission. This study examines the burden of intestinal helminth infections among vegetable farmers in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, where irrigation agriculture is widely practised. A cross-sectional design was adopted, recruiting 300 adult farmers from three major irrigation farming settlements across Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Chikun Local Government Areas. Stool samples were collected and analysed using the Kato-Katz technique and formal-ether concentration method to identify and quantify helminth ova. Data on personal hygiene practices, use of human excreta as fertiliser, footwear habits, and water source were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Key parasites anticipated include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm species. Current epidemiological reviews from 2021 to 2024 indicate that agricultural workers in northern Nigeria face elevated helminth infection risks due to limited access to potable water and sanitation facilities. This study provides locality-specific prevalence data that support evidence-based deworming and health education campaigns. Findings will be communicated to the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to strengthen occupational health policies for farming communities. The research aligns with WHO's 2030 targets for eliminating neglected tropical diseases. Keywords: intestinal helminths, vegetable farmers, Kaduna State, Kato-Katz, soil-transmitted helminths.