Assessment of Risk Factors and Outcome of Co-Infection of Soil Transmitted Helminths and Helicobacter pylori Among School Age Children Living in Riverine Slum Settlements in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminths and Helicobacter pylori are well-known for their high prevalence worldwide. In developing countries, Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and H. pylori infectionis highly prevalent especially in human populations with low socioeconomic status and personal hygiene which promote the spread of these infections. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess risk factors and co-infection of soil transmitted helminths and H. pylori among school age children living in Riverine slum settlements in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: A community-based study was conducted among 300 school age children from December 2018 to May 2019. Stool and venous blood samples were collected for analysis of STHs and H. pylori infection using standard methods, respectively after due ethical approval was obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: STHs and H. pylori IgG were detected in 36(12.0%) and 35(11.7%) of participants, respectively. The Prevalence was insignificant (P=05). Prevalence of H. pylori and STHs was not statistically associated with settlement location, age group or sex of the study. Poor hand washing practice and irregular deworming exercise are the major risk factors affecting the transmission of infection in the study populations. Conclusions: Though prevalence is insignificant, we advice that better hygiene policies and adequate measures to prevent feacal- oral infection in school children for healthier status of school children and teenagers.