Prevalence of Parasitic Infections among Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities in North-Eastern Nigeria

Armed conflict and population displacement in North-Eastern Nigeria have intensified public health challenges, particularly the transmission of parasitic infections among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of parasitic infections in selected IDP host communities across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 1,094 participants drawn from twelve IDP host communities. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and laboratory investigations, including stool examination using the Kato–Katz technique for intestinal helminths, urine microscopy for schistosomiasis, and thick and thin blood smears for malaria parasites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 40.4%. Intestinal helminths recorded the highest prevalence (19.5%), followed by malaria (10.4%) and schistosomiasis (6.2%). Ascaris lumbricoides (8.1%) and hookworm (6.6%) were the most prevalent helminths, while Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 9.2% of malaria infections. Infection prevalence was higher among host community members (29.6%) compared to IDPs (10.8%). The findings indicate that displacement-related environmental and socioeconomic conditions significantly contribute to parasitic disease transmission. Integrated water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, routine deworming, malaria control strategies, and community-based health education are recommended to reduce the burden of parasitic infections in displacement-affected communities.