Socio-environmental determinants of parasitic intestinal infections among children: a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem among school-aged children, especially those residing in rural areas. These infections predispose the children to several other health problems. This study assesses intestinal parasitic infections among school children in a rural area in Nigeria and their socioenvironmental determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 primary school-age children from three randomly selected schools in Elemere, a poor rural area in Kwara State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to record the socio-demographic data, and stool samples were microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 23.6% (59/250). Of the infected children, the most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 50.8% (30/59), followed by Giardia lamblia 28.8% (17/59), Entamoeba spp.16.9% (10/59) and Dipylidium caninum in 3.4% (2/59). Rural domicile was associated with parasitic infections (P= 0.036) compared to a semi-urban or urban residence. Compared to younger age groups, children in the higher age groups had 64% (95% confidence interval,0.15–0.90;P= 0.03) lesser parasitic infections. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in school children in the studied area, and may be associated with unclean water sources, poor hygiene, and economic conditions. General health education should emphasize cleanliness, personal hygiene and sanitation to prevent and control parasitic intestinal infections among schoolchildren in these communities

Knowledge of cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening among reproductive women in Nigeria

Background: The leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among women worldwide is cervical cancer. Lack of awareness and availability of screening services in Nigeria contribute to the high incidence and fatality rates of cervical cancer. This study assesses the knowledge of cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening among reproductive women in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age in Shao, Moro local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria, to determine their knowledge about cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 326 women between the ages of 15–50 were included in the study, with the majority being married (56.1%) and having secondary school education (43.6%). Two-hundred seventy-one (83.1%) participants were aware of cervical cancer, but only 39.0% had good knowledge of the disease. Two hundred forty-three (74.5%) women were sexually active and 70% did not use condoms during sexual activity. Only 6.9% of the participants had ever been screened for cervical cancer, with 38.0% being unaware of the screening. The results showed that there was a statistically significant (P<0.001) association between the knowledge of the respondents and selected risk factors for cervical cancer such as sexual activity, previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, contraceptive usage, and abnormal bleeding. Conclusion: This study indicates poor knowledge of cervical cancer and that targeted health education campaigns are required to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer among reproductive women in Nigeria. Efforts should also be made to improve access to cervical cancer screening services, especially in rural and underserved area