Knowledge and Hygiene Practices Regarding Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections in Ijebu Division, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

Behaviour is one of the risk factors considered during the transmission of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections. Our study examined behavioural practices and identified the practices that aid the transmission of STH infections amongst parts of the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study across six communities was conducted among 571 consented participants. Study participants were administered close-ended questionnaires which assessed demographic factors, knowledge on STH infections and their practices towards health, water, sanitation and hygiene. Responses were subjected to statistical analysis and chi-square was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Results revealed that majority (95.6%) of the participants had access to a water source with tap water being the most. For toilet facilities, water-closet frequently cleaned was used by 86% of the participants, thus the washing of hands after the use of the toilet facility was done by 89% of the participants. However, significant differences of (p = 0.006) and (p = 0.009) showed that hygiene practices such as biting of fingernails and walking barefoot indulged in by the participants could aid the transmission of STH infections in the study area. Across the communities, observations showed that more than 50% of the participants were not aware of STH infections. Based on the poor knowledge on STH infections in the study area, we recommend that bi-annual sensitization health programmes on STH infections be carried out in the study area by health stakeholders.