Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthes infestation among preschool children of Vadamaradchi Educational Zone

Abstract

This cross sectional study was designed to find out the prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infestation and associated factors among preschool children of Vadamaraadchi Educational Zone in Jaffna district. One preschool was randomly selected from each division (3) of the educational zone, and all the children (n=103) of selected schools were included in the study. Faecal samples were collected and examined by direct wet smear, salt flotation and formal ether concentration techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and health related behavior data were obtained from the parents using interviewer administered questionnaire. Prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes was zero in this study. Majority of the fathers were fishermen (55%), whereas most of the mothers were housewives (86%). Sixty five percentage (65%) of fathers and 68% of mothers studied up to G.C.E O/L. Eighty nine (86%) parents were aware of worm infestation. Ninety nine (96%) stated that they cleaned their children after defecation. Among them, the majority always (88%) and a few (8%) sometimes washed their hands with soap and water after cleaning. Almost an equal proportion of children used water sealed toilets (48%) and open ground (47%) for defecation. Fifty two (50%) children always and 43 (42%) children sometimes used foot ware when they went out. Most of the children (96%) received antihelminthic drugs. Seventy two children (70%) received the drug within the last 3months. The study indicates, the reduction in the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes could be mainly due to anti-helminthic prophylaxis and practice of hand washing by the parents. A case control study has to be carried out to confirm the above conclusion. The majority (70%) received more frequent anti helminthic prophylaxis. As there are reports of anti helminthic resistance, further study is needed to find out the appropriate intervals at which anti-helminthic prophylaxis to be given.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among children attending outpatient department of Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

“…In the present study, 43.67% children used toilet, 22% children used pot toilet, 17.67% children used diaper/cloth and only 16.67% people used open fields as defecation place. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be higher (8.33%) in the persons who used open field as defecation place which is in agreement with Karunaithas et al (2011). This study demonstrated significant association between hand washing after using toilet, and rate of intestinal parasites infestations.…”

Direct Microscopy of Stool Samples for Determining the Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among Primary School Children in Kaduwela MOH Area of Sri Lanka following Floods in 2016

“…In this study, majority of the parents had school education up to Grade 8 or above and they were aware of parasitic infections (paternal education: 44% passed Grade 8, 26% passed O/L, and 4% passed A/L; maternal education: 42% passed Grade 8, 30% passed O/L, and 3% passed A/L). Similar findings were observed in failure of the parents to respond to a study carried out in Sri Lanka in 2011 [ 10 ].…”

Soil-transmitted helminth infections, associated factors and nutritional status in an estate community in Sri Lanka

“…However, in comparison with recent studies, the prevalence of STH reported in this study was higher than in the urban and rural areas, while it was lower than that in other plantation sectors in Sri Lanka. 22,2324,34,35,36 One to 6 year children showed a slightly higher prevalence (29.7%) than 7 to 12 year old children (24.7%). This difference may be due to various reasons including a lack of awareness, increased soil related activities of younger children than adults, and the prevailing poor health and personal hygiene in the plantation sector.…”