Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among elementary school students in Vinh Phuc province in 2023 and some contributing factors

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among elementary school students in Vinh Phuc Province and to describe some factors affecting STH infection status in these students. The goal was to provide a basis for proposing solutions to reduce STH infections in the province in the coming years. The study’s results indicate that the overall prevalence of STH infections among students in this study is 0.4%, with all cases of infection at a mild level. Several factors influencing the prevalence of STH infections in elementary school students were identified: 2.5% of students use river/pond water for daily activities; 3.6% of households still use fresh manure as fertilizer; 44.7% of students have inadequate knowledge; and 5.6% of students have poor practices related to STH prevention. While most parents have good knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding STH prevention, a small percentage still have inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices.