Abstract
The study empirically explored the epidemiology of soil transmitted helminths among children
living in Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps in Logo and Guma Local Government Areas of
Benue State, Nigeria. The study employed mixed research design of a cross sectional survey and
experimental research design. Population comprises approximately 175,070 displaced persons in
the IDP camps in the two LGAs. A sample size of 102 respondents were selected from the two
LGAs using multistage sampling techniques. Laboratory test and questionnaire alongside
interview were adopted as instruments for data collection. Data was analysed using charts,
frequencies, percentages and logit regression analysis. The results of the study indicated that the
dominant soil transmitted helminths were hookworm 35.7% (20), followed by A. lumbricoides
constituted 19.6% (11). More so, the study found that respondents who used nothing to purified
drinking water had 3 time chances of getting infected by soil-transmitted helminths than those who
disinfected their drinking water treatment and the respondents without latrine for family used only
were 6.1 times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths as well as the respondents
who used open field for disposal of solid waste were 2.6 times more likely to be infected with soiltransmitted helminths among others. Finally, the study established that the age of the children has
significant relationship with soil transmitted helminths especially children who aged 0-10 years.
Equally, average family income per month had significant relationship with soil transmitted
helminths. Therefore, the study concluded that there is prevalent of soil-transmitted helminths
among children in IDP camps in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas in Benue State,
Nigeria. The study recommends that both government and other stakeholders interested in
humanitarian matters should provide potable water, sanitary facilities, and promote personal
hygiene in camps in Guma and Logo Local Government Area.