Risk Factors for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Preschool Children Living in Farmland, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Background Disease burden from soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is mainly attributed to its chronic and insidious impact on health and quality of life. Strategy recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to control it was previously focused on school-aged children, but now preschool-aged children are involved. This study was intended to determine STH infection risk factors in preschool children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Suka Village, North Sumatera, Indonesia, from October to December 2016. Subjects were children aged 1 to 5 years without history of taking antihelminthic. Subjects were obtained by consecutive sampling. Demographic data and risk factors for helminthiasis were collected using questionnaire-based interview. Subjects were divided into two groups, positive and negative STH infection, based on Kato Katz method. Analysis was done using chi-square and logistic regression test. p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results We enrolled 90 subjects in this study, with the mean age being 31.7 months. STH infection prevalence was 34.4%. Statistical analysis revealed that mother/caregiver hand washing habit (p = 0.007), mother/caregiver nail trimming habit (p = 0.018), and children nail trimming habit (p = 0.022) were significant risk factors for STH infection. Conclusion Mother/caregiver hand washing habit is the most influential risk factor for STH infection in preschool children.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases Among Pre-School Age Children (12-59 Months) and WASH Condition in Mkuranga, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our results show that children with untrimmed nger nails were more likely to be infected (p = 0.001) than those with trimmed nger nails. Our nding agree with previous studies (6,40,41). Increased risk of infection for children with untrimmed nger nails is because long nails can hide contamined soil obtained by child during play.…”

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school age children (12-59 months) and WASH condition in Mkuranga, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

“…Our results show that children with untrimmed nger nails were more likely to be infected (p = 0.001) than those with trimmed nger nails. Our nding agree with previous studies (6,40,41). Increased risk of infection for children with untrimmed nger nails is because long nails can hide contamined soil obtained by child during play.…”

“…Humans are infected by ingesting infective eggs (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) or larvae (Ancylostoma duodenale) or skin penetration by infective larvae of hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) in the soil (3,4). Heavy infections delays physical and cognitive development and interferes the body ability to respond to disease vaccines (5,6).…”

Soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in a rural setting of Busia County, Western Kenya: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, and associated exposures

“…For reasons that they carry insignificant burden of worms. Other studies have found that PSAC have STH infection levels that may require them to be considered for regular treatment [37,38]. Nevertheless, in the recent years most deworming programmes have started including PSAC for treatment and control of STH.…”