Helminthiasis and Malaria Co-Infection among School Children in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal.

Abstract

Helminthiasis and malaria are key parasitic diseases affecting millions of people globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. These infections often coexist and significantly impact the health and well-being of individuals, particularly school children in endemic areas. This study investigated the prevalence, co-infections, and risk factors associated with malaria and helminthiasis among children in selected schools within the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal District. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2024 among pupils from 6 randomly selected public primary schools. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioural data. Thick and thin smears were prepared using finger-prick blood samples and stained with Giemsa stain for malaria diagnosis, while stool samples were analysed for helminths using the Kato-Katz technique. Of the 333 pupils who participated in the survey, 51.4% were males and 48.6% were females. The overall prevalence rates of malaria and helminthiasis were 16.52% and 4.5%, respectively. The commonest helminths observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%), Trichuris trichiura (1.2%), and hookworm species (0.6%). The prevalence of malaria and helminth co-infection was 1.8%, with the highest co-infection rate of 0.90% observed between Plasmodium spp. and A. lumbricoides. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis among rural dwellers was 19.61% and 5.88%, respectively, compared to 11.63% and 2.33% in urban areas. Residence and sanitation were risk predictors of malaria. Swimming in open water bodies was associated with a significantly reduced co-infection of malaria and helminthiasis (OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.009–0.57, p = 0.03) compared with swimming in river waters (OR = 10.0, 95% CI: 0.83–281, p = 0.09). This study highlights the persistent burden of parasitic infections among schoolchildren, particularly in rural areas, despite ongoing control efforts, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and mass deworming. This thus calls for continuous surveillance, especially in rural settings.