Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Primary School Children in Plateau State

Intestinal parasitic infections remain endemic in many Nigerian rural and peri-urban communities, contributing to anaemia, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and school absenteeism among children. This study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among primary school children in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four public primary schools, enrolling 280 children aged 5 to 14 years. Stool samples were collected and examined microscopically using direct wet smear and formol-ether concentration techniques. Anthropometric measurements and a structured questionnaire for caregivers assessed risk factors including handwashing practices, shoe-wearing habit, open defaecation, soil contact, and access to safe water. Results showed an overall intestinal parasite prevalence of 62.5 percent. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species (38.9 percent), followed by Trichuris trichiura (21.4 percent) and hookworm (18.9 percent). Co-infections with two or more species occurred in 24.3 percent of positive children. Open defaecation (OR 3.8; p < 0.001), absence of shoe-wearing (OR 2.9; p < 0.001), and irregular handwashing (OR 3.2; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Stunting was significantly more prevalent in infected children (p < 0.01). The study recommends school deworming programmes, WASH infrastructure improvement, and hygiene promotion targeting parents and children in Plateau State primary schools. Keywords: intestinal parasitic infections, primary school children, Plateau State, WASH, North Central Nigeria