Assessement of Geohelminth Contamination of Playground and Sanitation Compliance among Primary Schools in Akwa Ibom State’s Rural Area
E. G. Adams
Department of Biological Science, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria.
L. P. Usip
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
K. N. Opara
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
E. O. Mbong *
Department of Biological Sciences, Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria.
C. A. Yaro
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
A. Asuquo
Department of Biological Science, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study was carried out to assess the level of geohelminth contamination in playgrounds of six Government Primary School (GPS) randomly selected within the three districts of Akwa Ibom State and also their state of compliance on sanitation in order to ensure a child-friendly learning environment. Soil samples were collected and analyzed using the zinc sulphate floatation method and the Baermann technique while sanitation facility compliance was assessed using structured checklist which was subjected to Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) grading criteria for sanitation. Out of 300 soil samples analyzed, a 22% contamination rate was recorded, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most encountered. Toxocara canis and Taenia sp. were also encountered in the study which are associated with visceral larval migran and cysticercosis, respectively. Sanitation compliance rate recorded was 68.8% which revealed that the existing facilities in the public primary schools in the area need improvement. A high level of improper fecal disposal and also the potential risk of geohelminthiasis and zoonotic diseases among pupils in the schools were revealed in the study as such, health education and awareness is advocated alongside strategies for the provision and sustainable use of sanitation facilities in schools.
Keywords: Sanitation facilities, geohelminth, school, WASH