PREVALENCE OF HOOKWORM AND HAMEOGLOBIN EVALUATION AS FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTETO ANAEMIA AMONGST PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SOME PARTS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia is a major public health problem in school age children in developing
countries. The abnormal reduction in hemoglobin level results in anaemia which is often
associated with behavioral disturbances in children and causes impaired neurological
development with reduced scholastic performance in school-age children.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate factors that contribute to anaemia among primary
school children in some selected Local Government Areas (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was cross sectional and blood samples were collected aseptically from the
children to measure Haemoglobin (Hb) level using Hemacue Haemoglobin method.
Results: The overall findings revealed that the prevalence of anaemia among the children was
70.0%. The severity of anaemia associated with hookworm infection among school age children
was studied by measuring their Hemoglobin level. About 34.3% children had mild anaemia,
while 54.3% and 11.4% had moderate and severe anaemia respectively. The prevalence of
anaemia by gender was also studied and classified into anaemic and non-anaemic based on their
Hemoglobin concentration. The males that were anaemic had 66.7% while the non-anemic was
33.3%. Also, the females that were anaemic had 44.1% and non-anaemic 55.9%. Statistical
analysis also showed significant association in the prevalence of anaemia with respect to gender
(P= 0.03) and age group (P=0.0013).
Conclusion: However, no significant difference was found in the distribution of anaemia in the
three zones and their correlates. Anaemia is still prevalent and a matter of public health concern
in school children in the study area. Sustainable public awareness programmes at school and
community levels among these populations will help to improve their health and nutritional
status.