Gaps and barriers in interventions for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-age children in an endemic area of the Philippines: a school-based point-of-view.

Abstract

We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a well-delivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers' efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.