Can homegrown feeding program be sustained to help eliminate soil-transmitted helminths: the need for reflection. A study conducted in pilot schools, Anambra state, Nigeria

Purpose: Infection by soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) persists among pupils in Nigeria. Evaluation on the current infection status in pupils where Home Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) is been implemented was conducted one year after. Methods & Materials: A total of 1677 consenting primary pupils aged 6 to 11 years from schools in three senatorial zones of Anambra State, Nigeria were enrolled. Kato-Katz technique was employed for examination of fresh faecal samples collected from pupils. Pupils were later treated with 400_mg Levamisole for direct worm count. Structured questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards helminthiasis. Results: Results showed that of 1677 pupils, 49.4% were males and 50.6% were females. Prevalence of 4.94% was observed which was not significant (p > 0.05) with respect to sex but significant (p < 0.05) with age. STH ova observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (60.24%), Trichuris trichiura (12.05%), Ancylostoma spp. (12.05%), (15.66%) Co-infection was observed, but varied. The highest incidence of coinfection was between A. lumbricoides and Ancylostoma spp. (10.84%). Assessing intensity of A. lumbricoides in pupils after treatment, 36 female pupils voided 37 worms while 31 male pupils voided 64 worms. Of 101 voided worms, male worms were 49 and females 52; comprising 83 adult worms and 18 young worms. Assessment of KAP were significantly (P < 0.05) related to transmission. Low prevalence of infection recorded is attributable to efforts of HGSFP. Conclusion: Constant monitoring, surveillance and sustenance of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in HGSFP can help in the elimination of soil-transmitted helminths. Community involvement through health education is also advocated to reduce cases where siblings may be infected.