Parasitic Contamination of Primary School Playground Soils in Jos North and South Local Government Areas, Plateau State, Nigeria
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: We aimed to determine the level of parasitic contamination of primary school playground soils in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. We also assessed the hygiene, sanitation, and behavioral factors that might influence exposure to soil-borne parasites among school-aged children.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and November 2024. A total of 100 (2–3 cm depth) topsoil samples were collected from selected primary school playgrounds using purposive sampling technique. Samples collected were processed by sucrose flotation technique to detect the helminth eggs and larvae. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at P<0.05.
Results: Of the 100 soil samples examined, 19 were positive for at least one Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) parasite, giving an overall prevalence of 19.0%. Hookworm larvae were the most frequently encountered parasite with a prevalence of 8.0%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (3.0%), larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%) and Taeniid eggs (4.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination of schools' playgrounds between Jos North (20.0%) and Jos South (18.0%) (χ² = 0.08, P=0.78).
Conclusion: The detection of parasites in school playgrounds, including STHs and other soil-associated organisms in both LGAs is a reflection of environmental contamination by human waste and continued risk of transmission among school-aged children. This underscores the need for improved sanitation, strengthened school-based deworming programs, and enhanced environmental hygiene practices.
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References
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