PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING DAYCARE CENTERS IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

About 450 million individuals, primarily children, suffer from intestinal parasite infections, which are a common and dangerous medical and health issue, especially in underdeveloped nations. The purpose of the study was to find out how common gastrointestinal parasites were among kids enrolled in daycare facilities in the city of Jos. Stool samples from 200 children were randomly selected from 8 childcare facilities in Plateau State's Jos North Local Government. Direct wet mount, concentration, and flotation methods were used to examine stool samples. The result showed that seven (7) gastrointestinal parasites were identified which were Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Trichuris trichiura. Overall, 41% of the children had gastrointestinal parasites. The risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites were grouped into the host factor and environmental factor. The host factors were lack of washing of hands from nannies before and after attending to the child and inserting of hands and toys in the mouth by the child. The environmental factors were the presence of stagnant water around the school premises, the lack of clean toilets and inadequate washing stations, and the presence of refuse around the school premises. Teachers, parents, guardians, caregivers, and nannies will all benefit from the adoption of community-based programs that promote sanitation, hygiene, and health education.