Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases among Primary School-going Children in Rarieda, Siaya County-Kenya

Abstract

Soil Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) are a group of chronic infections, typically very common or endemic in low income countries and are classified as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) laid down control strategies and goal to eradicate these infections by the year 2020, these infections continue to dominate in Sub-Saharan countries; this problem necessitated the need for this study. The primary objective of this study was to assess prevalence of, and risk factors of STH among primary school children in Rarieda, a sub-county in Siaya County of Kenya. The study contributed to the overall theme of “Research for Better Health in East African Region”. The study population comprised of primary school children, aged between seven and fifteen years. A total sample size of 300 pupils was randomly sampled from five primary schools across Rarieda. Data were collected between September and October 2018 and cross sectional study design was used. Ethical approvals were obtained from all the relevant authorities and pre-testing was done at Ruma primary school. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, Key Performance Indicators (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGD). The study established that there was high prevalence of STH among the primary school children in Rarieda, with prevalence rate of 27.3 percent. The prevalence rate varied with socio-demographic characteristics of the pupils. Knowledge level of the pupils on STH was 38.9, and the pupils were 45.9 percent at risk of STH with a great variance noted between health practices at schools verses at homes. Integrated STH control approach, which would incorporate regular deworming, health education and promotion, hygiene and sanitation, and appropriate health policies formulation and implementations, was therefore seen to be very necessary in controlling and prevention of STH in Rarieda.