The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among students of Eastern Technical University in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone
James Feika *
Eastern Technical University, Sierra Leone.
Joseph Hindovel Kpandeba
Eastern Technical University, Sierra Leone.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aim to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students attending the Eastern Technical University in Sierra Leone.
Study Design: This study adopt a cross sectional descriptive epidemiological research design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Eastern Technical University located in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone. Between July and August 2024.laboratory investigation on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students was carried at the laboratory of the Department of Medical laboratory technology.
Methodology: A total of 2OO students from five faculties in the university participated in the study. Stool samples were collected and analyzed microscopically for parasitic ova, cyst and trophozoites using direct wet mount smear and formol ether concentration technique. All data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft excel for windows version 16.0 for descriptive statistics with level of significance set at P<0.05.
Results: Out of the 200 examined stool samples, 106 (53.0%) were found to be infected with six species of intestinal parasites. The identified parasites and their respective prevalence are as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (42.0%), Hookworm (26.0%), Schistosoma mansoni (9.0%), Trichuris trichiura (12.0%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (6.0%).
Conclusion: Results from the study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among students attending the Eastern Technical University.
This study clearly shows the extent of the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in students hence reducing their academic performances resulting from complications. In order to combat the spread of the disease in the student population, university authorities should develop an effective preventive and control strategy aimed at eliminating the parasites in student population through health education, improvement in WASH facilities, regular deworming and screening of students.
Keywords: Public health, gastrointestinal, eastern technical university, protozoan