Research Article
Prevalence, Intensity, and Knowledge of Hookworm Infection among Rural Fishermen and Farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria: An Occupational Health Perspective
Author(s): Bruce I*, Alali AA, Ogbonda PI, Austin-Asomeji I, Cookey-Gam IF, Lawson SD and Perri T
Background: Hookworm infestation adversely affect humans especially in developing countries. Agricultural workers are predisposed to acquiring hookworm infection due to direct exposure to soil or water where the filariform larvae which is the infective stage live and penetrate the skin. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, infection intensity and knowledge of hookworm infestation among rural fishermen and farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. 200 fishermen and 200 farmers were recruited between May and November 2021. Stool samples were processed using the Kato-Katz technique. 19 possible answers were summed up to assess knowledge. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and presented in charts and tables. Result: The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 70 years with a mean age of 46 ± 12 years. Mo.. View More»