Background of the Study
Parasitic worm infections, also known as soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, remain a major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly among school-aged children. These infections, caused by intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, lead to malnutrition, impaired cognitive development, and reduced school attendance (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2023). School-based deworming programs have been widely implemented as a cost-effective strategy to reduce the burden of worm infestations among children.
Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most populous states, has high rates of worm infections due to poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and poor hygiene practices (Ahmed et al., 2024). School-based deworming programs have been introduced as part of national and international efforts to control worm infestations and improve child health. These programs involve the periodic administration of anthelmintic drugs to school children, with the goal of reducing transmission and improving overall health outcomes.
Despite these efforts, the prevalence of worm infections remains high in many communities, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing deworming initiatives. This study seeks to examine the impact of school-based deworming programs in Kano State, evaluating their effectiveness in reducing worm infestations and improving children's health and school performance.
Statement of the Problem
Intestinal worm infections pose a significant health challenge among school-aged children in Kano State, contributing to malnutrition, anemia, and reduced cognitive development (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2023). While school-based deworming programs have been introduced to address this issue, their effectiveness is often questioned due to inconsistent implementation, lack of community awareness, and poor follow-up mechanisms.
Studies suggest that without proper monitoring and complementary interventions such as improved sanitation and hygiene education, deworming programs may have limited long-term impact (Ahmed et al., 2024). This study aims to evaluate the role of school-based deworming programs in reducing worm infestations among children in Kano State and to identify areas for improvement in program implementation.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the prevalence of worm infestations among school-aged children in Kano State.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based deworming programs in reducing worm infections in Kano State.
3. To identify challenges in the implementation of school-based deworming programs in Kano State.
Research Questions
1. What is the prevalence of worm infestations among school-aged children in Kano State?
2. How effective are school-based deworming programs in reducing worm infections in Kano State?
3. What are the major challenges facing school-based deworming programs in Kano State?
Research Hypotheses
1. School-based deworming programs significantly reduce the prevalence of worm infestations among school children.
2. Children in schools without deworming programs have a higher prevalence of worm infections than those in deworming programs.
3. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices limit the effectiveness of school-based deworming programs.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the prevalence of worm infestations and the effectiveness of school-based deworming programs in Kano State. Data will be collected from selected primary schools, healthcare providers, and relevant government agencies.
Limitations include potential challenges in obtaining accurate health records, variations in deworming program implementation across different schools, and reliance on self-reported data from parents and teachers.
Definitions of Terms
• Deworming: The administration of anthelmintic drugs to remove parasitic worms from the body.
• Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH): A group of parasitic worms transmitted through contaminated soil, including roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
• Anthelmintic Drugs: Medications used to treat worm infections, such as albendazole and mebendazole.
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