Prevalence, intensity and factors associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool-age children in Hoima district, rural western Uganda

Abstract

BackgroundOver 80% of morbidity due to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) occurs in low-income countries. Children under 5 account for 20–30% of the burden in endemic areas. This study assessed the prevalence, intensity and factors associated with STH infections among preschool-age children (PSAC) in Hoima district, Uganda. The PSAC are particularly vulnerable because the chronicity of this condition usually affects their physical and mental growth and development.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 562 PSAC (1–5 years old) in 6 counties of Hoima district using Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) method. Stool samples from children were examined using the formol ether concentration technique for STH egg detection. Egg counts were represented as egg per gram (EPG). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on factors associated with STH infection. Generalized linear models were used to analyze relationships between STH infection and associated factors.ResultsOverall STH prevalence was 26.5%. Hookworm infection was the most prevalent (18.5%), followed by A.lumbricoides (9.8%) and T.trichiura (0.5%). Prevalence of STH infection was significantly higher in children aged 5 years (Pearson chi-square test, p = 0.009) than in children aged 1 year. The general geometric mean (GM) counts for Hookworm infection was (696.1 EPG; range (530.3–913.8)) with girls having a higher GM (789.8 EPG; range (120–13,200)) than boys. Eating uncooked or unwashed vegetables (adj. Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.7) and fruits (adj.PR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8), indiscriminate disposal of young children’s faeces (adj.PR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.0); not washing hands after defecation (adj.PR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.6); and not deworming children regularly (adj.PR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8) were significantly associated with STH infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of Soil transmitted helminths infection among preschool-age children in Hoima district significantly increased with age. Poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation and irregular deworming were associated with STH infections among PSAC in the study area. Intense health education on the importance of hygienic practices, improved sanitation and regular deworming of PSAC should be integrated into prevention and control programs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3289-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Systematic Review and Metanalyis of Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections Among Preschool and School-age Children in Ethiopia: Evaluation of Neglected Tropica Diseases (NTDS) Elimination Program by 2020

“…The nding of the current review (17%) is in line with ndings from South America (15.6%), studies conducted in Amhara region, Ethiopia (16.8%) and the overall burden in Sub-Saharan African countries (15%) [122]. However, it was lower than results from Nigeria (44.6%), Rwanda (38.6%), Uganda (43.5%) [123], Kenya (24.3%) [124] and previous estimate in Ethiopia (37%). The observed differences might be due variation in some factors putting population at risk of acquiring STHs such as geographical variations, life style of the community, soil humidity and exposure to contaminated environments..…”

“…The nding of thee current review showed that the prevalence of hookworms was 12% indicating that the current nding is lower than others studies conducted in Nigeria (32.7%) [114] and Uganda (18.5%) [123]. However, it was higher than studies conducted in Kenya (0.4%) [124], Rawanda (1.8%) [126]and Cameroon (3.9%) [127].…”

Ivermectin Dosing Strategy to Achieve Equivalent Exposure Coverage in Children and Adults

“…Ivermectin is not approved in children weighing < 15 kg; hence, this age group is excluded from official treatment programs. The drug has been widely used off‐label in a single‐dose administration for various indications, and given that young children may have high prevalence of helminth infections and scabies and serve as an important reservoir of Plasmodium , there is a need to build an evidence base to determine safe and effective ivermectin doses in the pediatric population. Ivermectin pharmacokinetics (PK) in adults has been described in a small number of healthy volunteers and patients with onchocerciasis, Trichuris trichiura infection, or malaria .…”

“…10,11 Ivermectin is not approved in children weighing < 15 kg; hence, this age group is excluded from official treatment programs. The drug has been widely used off-label in a single-dose administration for various indications, and given that young children may have high prevalence of helminth infections [12][13][14][15] and scabies 16,17 and serve as an important reservoir of Plasmodium, 18,19 there is a need to build an evidence base to determine safe and effective ivermectin doses in the Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? ✔ Ivermectin is widely used to treat various helminth infections and may be used in malaria vector control, but doses that produce consistent exposure coverage in children of various ages and adults are still unknown.…”

Prevalensi Cacing Parasitik Pada Anak Sekolah Dasar Di Kecamatan Rakumpit Kota Palangka Raya

“…Prevalensi cacing parasit pada anakanak sebesar 57,6% [6]. Anak-anak terinfeksi cacing parasit sebesar 26,5% [7]. Prevalensi cacing parasit pada anak-anak sebesar 36% [8].…”