INCIDENCE OF HOOKWORM INFECTION AMONG FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The focus of this study was to determine the prevalence of hookworm infection among fanners in three selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria, namely: Jema’a, Chikun and Zaria, representing the 3 senatorial zones of the State. A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out between November 2014 and October 2015. One thousand two hundred (1.200) stool samples were collected from eligible peasant farmers that were enrolled in the study. One LGA was selected from each of the'three Senatorial Zones of Kaduna State by simple random sampling method. Stool samples were analysed for presence of hookworm ova using direct wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique and examined by microscopic technique. Out of the 1,200 stool samples examined, the overall incidence of hookworm infection was found to be 224/1200 (18.7%) with respect to Local Government Area, the infection rate was highest in Jema’a with 96/400 (24.0%) while the least was 59/400 (14.8%) in Zaria Local Government Area with a statistical significant difference (P = 0.002). The incidence of the infection in relation to gender shows 118/543 (21.7%) incidence rate in females and that of males to be 106/657(16.1%). Hence, females had higher rate than males with a significant statistical difference at P = 0.013.In conclusion, this study revealed the transmission of human hookworm among peasant farmers in Kaduna State to be at alarming rate. Thus, major prevention and control measures should be adopted to curve the spread of the infection. There is the need for prompt treatment of the infected persons as well as creating a law that will prohibit indiscriminate defeacation on farm lands.