Abstract
The prevalence and risk factors of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infection among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in the Marshall Islands remain unknown; thus, investigation on the status of pinworm infection rate is necessary to establish baseline data. After parents'/guardians' consent, a total of 346 children (179 boys and 167 girls) participated in this study. Individual's perianal area and thumbs were inspected by using the Scotch tape technique and cellophane tape method, respectively. For each child, demographic and risk factor data were collected by a structured questionnaire and statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 12.14% (42/346). Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in PSC who live in an urban area compared to those who live in the rural area (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis still found that PSC who live in the rural area had higher chances to acquire pinworm infection. However, no risk factors were identified to be associated with personal hygiene, sibling number, and parent's educational level or occupation. Nevertheless, a pinworm-like egg was detected on the thumb of one male participant. Children living in the rural area and thumb-sucking behavior are two of the important risk factors of transmitting pinworm infection in the PSC in the Marshall Islands. We suggested an urgent and continuous provision of adequate hygienic sensitization in the school and the community.
Highlights
Enterobius vermicularis is an intestinal parasite that may cause enterobiasis, which is common among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in many countries [1, 2]
Since PSC are the most vulnerable population infected with pinworm, the present study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with E. vermicularis infection among PSC in the Marshall Islands
Study Population and Sample Collection. is study was conducted from October to November 2018, and the total PSC population was from 14 primary schools in Majuro City, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI)
Summary
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is an intestinal parasite that may cause enterobiasis, which is common among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in many countries [1, 2]. E life cycle of pinworm is uncomplicated, utilizing the human host gastrointestinal tract to become adults, and the gravid female worm migrates to the anus to lay fertilized eggs at night. Enterobiasis is considered the most prevalent helminth infection, with an estimated 1000 million cases worldwide [5]. Compared to most intestinal helminths, the prevalence of pinworm infection is underestimated because of parasite migration during the night and the difficulty of egg detection in routine stool examination. In the United States, pinworm infestation is the most common helminth infection, with over 40 million people being infected [19]
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