Intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent in the tropics and subtropical countries among school-aged children. This study was carried out to determine the associated risk factors and prevalence of intestinal parasites among Al-Majiri school children in Kaura Namoda local government, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Two hundred stool samples were collected from five different schools and analyzed using formol-ether concentration techniques. Information on their ages and water contact activities were obtained using the Knowledge Attitude and Practice questionnaire. The results obtained showed an overall prevalence of 65.0%. Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5%), Taenia saginata (4.0%), Trichuris trichiura (5.0%), Ancylostoma duodenale (46%), and Entamoeba histolitica (2.5%) were among the parasites recovered. Prevalence was not significantly different (p>0.05) among the Al-Majiri schools. It was concluded that intestinal parasites are a significant health problem among the schools studied. Government and non-governmental organizations should collaborate to provide portable water, toilet facilities, and health education about the importance of personal and environmental hygiene to alleviate these issues.
Key words: Al-Majiri, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolitica, Taenia saginata, Trichuris trichiura.
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