Authors : Dr. Adebusuyi Sunday Adejola; Dr. Aborisade Oluyinka Bamidele; Amoo Abimbola Oladipupo Joseph

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4htjka3e

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar356

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Abstract : Background: A significant number of pregnant women worldwide are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, which can impact maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. The study assesses the current prevalence and associated factors of intestinal helminth infections among pregnant women in Ogun State, Nigeria.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four major government owned secondary health facilities in Ogun State between January 2019 and April 2020 among a cohort of pregnant women who were recruited at their first antenatal care visit and tested for soil transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis at enrolment. Stool and urine specimens were processed using standard operating procedures in accordance with structured questionnaires. Relevant demographic information was recorded from study participants. Chi-square tests were used to analyze data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.  Results: Overall prevalence of helminth infections is 4.7% among 406 asymptomatic pregnant women. Four parasite species were identified – Ascaris lumbricoides (2.2%), Hookworm (1.2%), Trichuris trichiura (1.0%), and Schistosoma haematobium (0.3%). Most infections were light or moderate in intensity. Prevalence aligns with reports from other part of Nigeria and Ghana, but lower than Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Gabon. Higher infection rates were observed in older age groups and among women in their second trimester.  Conclusion: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among pregnant women in Ogun State is low but significant. 4.7% prevalence indicates relatively low infection rates compared to other regions. Four major helminth species identified: A. lumbricoides, Hookworm, T. trichuria and S. haematobium. Most infections are light and moderate, with no heavy infections reported. Socioeconomic factors influence infection risk, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions.

Keywords : Soil Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, Pregnant Women, ANC and Ogun State.

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