GEOHELMINTHIASIS: PREDISPOSITION AND ASSESMENT OF WASH IN SOME SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools contributes to better health and educational outcomes among school-aged children. This study assessed the state of sanitation and hygiene in some selected primary schools in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. Ten primary schools were selected randomly through balloting, (7 Public schools and 3 Private schools). Soil samples were collected randomly from the playgrounds, classroom and toilet areas of the selected primary schools. The collection was done between 08.00GMT and 14.00GMT. Samples collected was kept in black polythene bags. Soil nematode larvae were extracted using modified Baermann’s Cultural technique while Concentration and isolation of Geohelminths ova was done using modified Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) floatation technique. Field observation was done to observe the adequacy of WASH facilities in selected Primary Schools while questionnaires was administered among pupils in senior classes and among the school teachers to assess Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy of each school. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 16. Results showed that each of the ten schools that were sampled had water supply either from well or boreholes. Water sources in 7 out of the 10 sampled schools were not adequate for use nor treated for drinking while the remaining three schools had adequate supply of water treated for drinking. In terms of sanitation, the main problem that was experienced was inadequate toilets and toilet/pupil ratios were high, this problem brought inconvenience to pupils during lesson time. This study also found that there was no privacy in the provision of toilets as separate toilets were not provided for boys and girls expect in 2 schools. However in some schools that were visited there was open defaecation which was attributed to the shortage of toilets or no access to the facility. In terms of hygiene, all the schools had hand washing facilities, none of the schools that were sampled had soap for hand washing and that little was done on hygiene promotion. Percentage contamination of soil samples with geohelminth ova was 17.24% and the only soil transmitted helminths found in the soil samples analysed was Ascaris lumbricoides. School children need adequate and safe WASH in schools to maximize health and educational outcomes. Appropriate hygiene and sanitary facilities would help reduce cases of diseases transmission, increase learning and also foster a healthy learning environment. More emphasis should be laid on hygiene education as children can serve as agent for change in their families and the wider community.