Risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infection among elementary school students
Abstract: Helminth infection
remains a health problem, especially in school-aged children. Mass eradication
programs with a single dose of anti-helminthic drugs were employed by the local
government in some endemic areas in Bali. However, the effectiveness of the
programs has not been well evaluated.
Objective To investigate prevalence and possible risk factors of helminth
infection, including nutritional status, in elementary school students from
endemic areas who participated in mass eradication programs.
Methods This cross-sectional study involved 126 students from Elementary
School No. 3 Gegelang, Karangasem, Bali, a location that had recently undergone
a mass eradication program. Diagnoses were based on direct smear examination of
fecal specimens. Information on suspected risk factors and nutritional status
were collected by questionnaire and anthropometric measurement, respectively.
Statistical analyses included Chi-square and odds ratio, using SPSS v21
software.
Results The prevalence of helminth infection was 31.7% with etiologies of
Trichuris trichuria (75%), Ascaris lumbricoides (17.5%), or both infections
(7.5%). Habits of not using footwear [OR=4.88; 95%CI 1.15 to 20.65], not
keeping nails trimmed [OR=3.33; 95%CI 1.07 to 10.37], and absence of a proper
toilet [OR=4.31; 95%CI 1.93 to 9.64] were found to be significant risk factors
for helminth infection. However, we found no significant association between
helminth infection and nutritional status, although a considerable number of
students had less than normal reference values, in terms of weight, height, and
BMI for age.
Conclusion The prevalence of helminth infection continues to be high,
with personal hygiene and sanitation as significant risk factors. History of
mass eradication programs did not confer an effective protection against helminth
infection.
Keywords: helminth infection;
soil-transmitted helminth; Trichuris trichuria; Ascaris lumbricoides;
school-aged children
Author: Kadek Adit Wiryadana,
I Wayan Ardyan Sudharta Putra, Putu Diah Saraswati Rahayu, Made Martha
Pradnyana, Made Lady Adelaida, I Made Sudarmaja
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170205
