Risk Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Children
Mary Jane C. Flores
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Biological Control Research Unit, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Yvette M. Bautista
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Louise Gabrielle E. Carandang
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Krizianne M. Go
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Ma. Bianca Isabelle T. Olalia
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Eligio Santiago V. Maghirang
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Addah S. De Peralta
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Lawrence Aikee R. Esmeli
Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines.
Derick Erl P. Sumalapao *
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Biological Control Research Unit, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is a major public health problem in tropical areas such as the Philippines. A significant portion of the population in the Philippines consists of people located in the provinces as well as hard to reach localities that often cater to fishing and rural communities.
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections, helminth densities, and relevant risk factors associated with helminth infections among grade school children.
Materials and Methods: In July 2015, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among Kindergarten to Grade 10 pupils in Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle (JHIS-LS) in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines was determined using Kato-Katz technique. Moreover, socio-demographic profile including sex, age, and hygiene and sanitation practices of the pupils were obtained.
Results: Of the 110 pupils, a prevalence rate of 6.36% with at least one STH infection was identified. The predominant parasites were Trichuris trichiura (56%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22%) and Enterobius vermicularis (22%). T. trichiura was identified in single infection while A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis were found in mixed infections. Of the socio-demographic characteristics of the pupils, the use of soap in washing hands is a protective factor against helminth infections (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.97).
Conclusion: Further studies using different STH diagnostic procedures must be done and other risk factors associated with STH must be identified.
Keywords: Soil-transmitted helminths, Kato-Katz, prevalence, risk factor, school children, hand washing.