Abstract:
Studies showed the severity of jigger infestation, among community members generally
from the children, youth, and aged population. Still, there is little documented evidence of,
how jigger infestation influences students' attendance, therefore, this study established the
influence of jigger infestation on students' attendance rates in public day secondary
schools in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The specific objectives were;
to determine the extent of jigger infestation among students, to assess the influence of
jigger infestation on attendance rates, and to examine strategies employed to mitigate
jigger infestation among students in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The
study used Ecological Systems theory and adopted a mixed-method research design. The
study targeted 10,000 students 15- 20 years from public day secondary schools. A sample
of 370 students was obtained from Krejcie and Morgan's 1970 formulae. The study
purposively sampled 20 Key informants the CHPs (community health promoters), head
teachers, and local Chiefs to participate in the study. The study employed primary data
which was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. secondary data was
collected by studying the progress records, attendance registers, and end-term report
forms. A pilot study was conducted at Kabuchai Sub-County, of Bungoma County. Data
was analyzed using SPSS version 27 to determine the study's findings. Data was presented
using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, graphs, tables, and charts. The study
also revealed a high prevalence of persistent infestation in 56.7% of students (They were
absent from school due to pain, itching, and social isolation). It also indicated jigger
infestation had influenced attendance rates. It highlighted that most schools lag behind in
implementation of key measures to address the infestation. The study recommended
establishing and strengthening school health clinics, conducting regular check-ups.
Implement community hygiene and education programs to lessen the impact. This multi stakeholder approach is essential to address poverty and improve hygiene in schools and
homes. These findings, if adopted, will guide policymakers, teachers, parents, and the
community in managing and reducing jigger infestation in public secondary schools.
