Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Primary School Children in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections represent a significant public health burden among school-age children in Nigeria, contributing to anaemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development. This cross-sectional study determines the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among primary school children aged 5 to 14 years in selected public schools in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A total of 420 children were recruited from six schools across three local government areas using stratified random sampling. Stool specimens were processed using direct wet mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Structured questionnaires administered to parents assessed sanitation practices, handwashing behaviour, shoe-wearing habits, and deworming history. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 48.3%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent organism (28.6%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (18.1%), hookworm species (11.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (9.7%). Significant risk factors included open defaecation practices, absence of functional handwashing facilities in schools, and non-compliance with deworming schedules. Boys demonstrated higher infection rates than girls (52.4% vs 44.2%). The findings underscore the need for school-based mass drug administration, water and sanitation improvements, and hygiene education. A multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, and water authorities is recommended to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminths in Rivers State. Keywords: intestinal parasites, school children, Rivers State, helminths, deworming.