Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection and related prevention practices in school-age children of Xin Man district, Ha Giang province in 2021

Abstract

A cross - sectional survey was conducted in 2021 in Xin Man district, Ha Giang province to assess the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infections (STHs) in primary school children and their practices regarding the prevention and control of STHs. Stool samples from 1,400 children in 5 primary schools were collected and examined using Kato-Katz technique. Information on practices of study children regarding STHs prevention and control was collected through the interview using a questionnaire. The results showed that the overall prevalence of STHs infection was 48.1% of which the prevalence of roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm was 27.4%, 14.2%, and 8.4% respectively. Regular practices of washing hands before eating; washing hands after going to the toilet and washing and after contact with soil were 75.6%; 77.1% and 73.1% respectively. Some 83.7% of children wash their hands with soap; 87.0% regularly cut their nails; 91.6% often wear shoes/sandals; 50.4% did not drink unboiled water; 53.0% did not eat raw vegetables. 35.0% of children living in households with a hygienic latrine; 36.4% took deworming medicine within 1 year before the survey. The proportion of children who practiced correctly STHs prevention and control measures was 77.4%. The factors related to STHs infection were not washing hands before eating, drinking unboiled water, eating raw vegetables, and not having been dewormed within 1 year before the survey.