Occurrence Knowledge and Management of Human Helminthic Infections in Birnin Kebbi Metropolis Nigeria

Abstract

Helminths are parasitic worms that globally affect more than 1 billion people. Predominantly there are two groups of helminths that affect humans, roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms. In Nigeria, human helminthic infections are endemic and control programs such as mass deworming has been ongoing for years. However, there is paucity of knowledge among healthcare providers, as well as the general public concerning the management of helminthic infections. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of helminthic infections and to assess the knowledge of anthelmintic management and reporting among healthcare providers and the general public in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, Nigeria. Following ethical approvals, a retrospective study (Part 1) of laboratory stool samples results was conducted at two public hospitals in Nigeria from 2014 to 2020. Part 2 and 3 included a cross sectional study assessed knowledge of healthcare providers and the general public using semi-structured questionnaires. In Part 1, a total of 4,082 stool samples were captured, with only 39 positives for helminths, indicating a 1.0% prevalence of helminthic infection in Birnin Kebbi metropolis from 2014 to 2020. Out of the 39 positive helminthic samples recorded, 87.2% (n=34) were from Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital (p<0.01). The main helminth identified was hookworm (59.0%), while the least were Trichuris trichiura (1; 2.6%) and Taenia spp. (1; (2.6%). In Part 2 and 3, 384 questionnaires were completed by 107 healthcare providers (27.9%) and 277 by the general public (72.1%). Overall, the healthcare providers had poor knowledge (60.7%; n=65) on the management of helminthic infections. Generally, the pharmacists (9; 90%) and doctors (55.6%; n=15) had good knowledge on management, but the nurses (71.9%; n=46) and laboratory scientists (100%; n=6) had poor knowledge (p<0.001). In the treatment of helminth infections, the healthcare providers mostly identified mebendazole (50.5%, n=54), while levamisole was the least mentioned (8; 7.5%). In terms of knowledge of intestinal worms in the general public, participants had good knowledge of helminths (66.4%; n=184). There was a statistically significant difference between knowledge of helminths and occupation, gender and level of education of the general public (p<0.001). This study indicated that there was a low prevalence of helminthic infection in the investigated clinical cases in the two study sites. Of concern was the poor knowledge among both healthcare providers and poor knowledge among the general public. There is therefore a need for global policy makers to encourage further education for both the community and healthcare providers; along with additional research on unreported human helminthic infections in the Birnin Kebbi metropolis.