Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infection among individuals in model and non-model households, South West Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional community based study

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is a term used to refer to infections caused by intestinal worms mainly due to A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm species which are transmitted through contaminated soil. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection among individual members living within the selected household heads (HHs) certified either as a model HHs or non-model HHs based on the implementation level of a training program known as the Health Extension Program (HEP). A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2018 at Seka Chekorsa Woreda, Jimma zone. Model and non-model HHs were selected systematically from each of the randomly selected district villages employing a multistage sampling technique. Sociodemographic and risk factors data associated with STHs infections were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Parasitological stool sample microscopic examination was done using saline wet mount and Kato Katz thick smear technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20 for descriptive statistics, comparison, and logistic regression at a p-value < 0.05 for statistical significance. Overall, 612 individuals were recruited in the study from 120 randomly selected HHs. The prevalence of STHs infections was found to be 32.4%. A total of 45 (14.7%) model and 153 (50.0%) non-model individual participants were positive for at least one species of STHs showing a significant difference between individuals in model and non-model HHs (AOR: 6.543, 95% CI; 4.36–9.82, P<0.001). The dominant STHs were T. trichiura (21.6%) followed by A. lumbricoides (6.4%) and hookworms (2.3%). The intensity of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infection have shown a significant difference (p<0.05) while hookworm species infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) for the individuals in the HHs groups. On the other hand, the households training status, age of participants, and latrine use pattern were found significant predictors of STHs infection prevalence in the multivariate analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection was higher among individuals living in a non-model HHs than model HHs.

Status of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Among Adolescents in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Future Directions After a Decade of Ongoing Mass Administration of Medicines

“…This concurs with findings from similar studies conducted in Nigeria [12, 26–27, 31]. Using water cisterns and pit toilets at home was significantly associated with higher odds of infection, which contradicts the findings of other studies [28, 40, 46–48]. The higher infection odds observed for adolescents who use water cistern is not surprising since the majority of the adolescents who tested positive for STH infections do not wash their hands after defecation.…”

Community Assessment of School-Based Mass Drug Administration Program for Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosomiasis in Nigeria

“…The inadequacy of knowledge among the SAC has been substantiated by evidence from several studies in Africa for instance studies done in Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania (16-20). Poor environmental and sanitary conditions are linked to SCH infections (21) while STH is transmitted through contaminated soil (22, 23). Our findings revealed that most participants associated these diseases with drinking dirty contaminated water (17).…”

Progress and challenges for the application of machine learning for neglected tropical diseases

“…Efforts displayed by each governing body in maintaining and keeping up-to-date open-access databases or infrastructure and technical outreach organizations are to ensure that every country would have the latest disease intelligence and technical skills in order for effective surveillance, preventive, and disease management control to be executed according to each country's governing leadership. Importance of having centralized data sharing at a regional scale has been highlighted in a study by Alemu et al (2022). With access to publicly available standardized survey and treatment coverage data, which was at first unavailable probably due to absence of reports by the country's Ministry of Health to the WHO, they were now able to access ample amounts of collected evidence pointing to the advantages of school-based deworming programs and LF MDA campaigns.…”

“…Hence, molecular-based assays such as PCR, real-time PCR and digital PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and cell-free DNA detection provide a more sensitive, less labor-intensive, and high-throughput detection method despite incurring additional costs for detection and surveillance programmes(Becker et al 2018;Manuel, Ramanujam & Ajjampur 2021).Measures taken in managing cases of STHs are shared among other helminth infections. Implementing MDA programs targeting high-risk groups in endemic tropical and subtropical areas has been recognized to be effective in eliminating STH globally(Alemu et al 2022). In underdeveloped areas with poor facilities but endemic with STHs, adopting the principles of WASH by providing adequate sanitation, improving waste management facilities, plus public education on hygiene practices and behavioral changes targeted to populations at risk would accelerate the elimination goal(Sato et al 2019).…”