Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël; Yondo Jeannette; Tsila Henri Gabriel; Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette; Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine; Mpoame Mbida

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël, Yondo Jeannette, Tsila Henri Gabriel, Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette, Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, Mpoame Mbida

Published in Journal of Health and Environmental Research (Volume 7, Issue 2)

Received: 17 March 2021 Accepted: 2 April 2021 Published: 14 May 2021

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Abstract

Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.

Published in	Journal of Health and Environmental Research (Volume 7, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
Page(s)	112-121
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Soil Transmitted Helminth, Pupils, Awareness, Soil Contamination, Penka-Michel

References

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Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël, Yondo Jeannette, Tsila Henri Gabriel, Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette, Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. (2021). Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 7(2), 112-121. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

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ACS Style

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël; Yondo Jeannette; Tsila Henri Gabriel; Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette; Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. J. Health Environ. Res. 2021, 7(2), 112-121. doi: 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

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AMA Style

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël, Yondo Jeannette, Tsila Henri Gabriel, Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette, Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. J Health Environ Res. 2021;7(2):112-121. doi: 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

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@article{10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15,
  author = {Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël and Yondo Jeannette and Tsila Henri Gabriel and Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette and Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine and Mpoame Mbida},
  title = {Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon},
  journal = {Journal of Health and Environmental Research},
  volume = {7},
  number = {2},
  pages = {112-121},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jher.20210702.15},
  abstract = {Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon
AU  - Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël
AU  - Yondo Jeannette
AU  - Tsila Henri Gabriel
AU  - Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette
AU  - Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine
AU  - Mpoame Mbida
Y1  - 2021/05/14
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
T2  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
JF  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
JO  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
SP  - 112
EP  - 121
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-3592
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
AB  - Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.
VL  - 7
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël
Yondo Jeannette

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
Tsila Henri Gabriel

Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette

Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine

Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
Mpoame Mbida

Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon

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APA Style

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël, Yondo Jeannette, Tsila Henri Gabriel, Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette, Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. (2021). Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 7(2), 112-121. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

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ACS Style

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël; Yondo Jeannette; Tsila Henri Gabriel; Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette; Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. J. Health Environ. Res. 2021, 7(2), 112-121. doi: 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

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AMA Style

Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël, Yondo Jeannette, Tsila Henri Gabriel, Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette, Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine, et al. Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon. J Health Environ Res. 2021;7(2):112-121. doi: 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15,
  author = {Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël and Yondo Jeannette and Tsila Henri Gabriel and Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette and Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine and Mpoame Mbida},
  title = {Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon},
  journal = {Journal of Health and Environmental Research},
  volume = {7},
  number = {2},
  pages = {112-121},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jher.20210702.15},
  abstract = {Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Rate of Soil Contamination by Soil Transmitted Helminths in Relation to the Awareness Status of Pupils in Primary Schools of Penka-Michel, West-Cameroon
AU  - Atiokeng Tatang Rostand Joël
AU  - Yondo Jeannette
AU  - Tsila Henri Gabriel
AU  - Nguemfo Tchankugni Arlette
AU  - Nkouayep Vanessa Rosine
AU  - Mpoame Mbida
Y1  - 2021/05/14
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
T2  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
JF  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
JO  - Journal of Health and Environmental Research
SP  - 112
EP  - 121
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-3592
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20210702.15
AB  - Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect poor populations in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They contaminate soil and pupils are mostly at risk of these infections due to their soil related habits. Aims: to assess pupils’ knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the rate of soil contamination in public primary schools. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to 729 consenting participants to obtain information on their awareness status of STH infections. A total of 552 soil samples were collected around toilets, classrooms backyards and playground in 23 public schools randomly selected in Penka-Michel subdivision and examined for the presence of STH eggs using the sucrose flotation method. Results: up to 80% of respondents do not actually know how to avoid getting infected with worms. About 50% of pupils do not actually wash their hands after defecating or wash their fruits/vegetables before eating. Pupil’s nails were mostly untrimmed (74.1%). 77.1% declared they always defecate out of the toilets when they are in school. Out of 552 soil samples examined, 97 (17.6%) were contaminated by Ascaris sp, Trichuris sp, Toxocara sp, Capillaria sp, Cooperia sp, hokworms and Nematodirus sp. Soil from around toilets were significantly more contaminated with Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp eggs. Soil contamination was also significantly associated with absence of water during class hours, unhygienic conditions of toilets, and lack of school perimeter fence. Overall 65% of schools selected showed a low level of hygiene. Conclusion: Pupils of these schools played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent the STHs transmission cycles in school environment and possibly in pupils, it is necessary to develop specific sustainable intervention programs.
VL  - 7
IS  - 2
ER  -

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