Abstract
Background Helminths are significant contributors to global health problems. Subgroup soil-transmitted helminths are among the listed neglected tropical diseases. The rural inhabitants often suffer from heavy infection, particularly children and pregnant women. Objective The study aimed at determining the magnitude and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infection and associated risk factors in the study area where the prevalence and intensity of the infection are yet unknown at the community level. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2016 on 377 individuals. Systematic random sampling was utilized to select the households. Lottery method was used for study subject selection in the households. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Parasitological tests were processed using Kato-Katz thick smear and duplicate direct wet mount analysis of the stool sample. Results A total of 377 subjects aged from 2 to 55 years were enrolled in the study, of which 211 were female (56%) and 166 were male (44%). The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 265 (70.3%). The females shared more (36.6%, 138) as compared to males (33.7%, 127) at P < 0.05. Of all identified soil-transmitted helminths, Trichuris trichiura was the predominant infectious agent (66.8%, 252) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (16.4%, 62) and hookworm (14.1%, 53). Gender (AOR: 1.67 (95% CI: 1.034–2.706)), lack of fruit washing before consumption (AOR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.6)), open defecation habit (AOR: 1.75 (95% CI: 0.921–3.338)), and drinking untreated water (AOR: 1.994 (95% CI: 1.019–3.90)) were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion High prevalence of STH infection was still an important health issue of the community even after the implementation of the health extension program. Hence, intervention considering all population of the residents as eligible to deworm and health education are mandatory.
Highlights
Helminths are significant contributors to global health problems [1, 2]
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), a subgroup within helminths transmitted through contaminated soil and water with faecal matter, are the leading neglected tropical diseases among the 20 diseases on the WHO list. e infection persists in humans where behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors are linked to the distribution. e rural inhabitants often suffer from the infection preschool school-aged children and pregnant women [3, 4]
Conclusion and Recommendation e study showed a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths
Summary
Helminths are significant contributors to global health problems [1, 2]. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), a subgroup within helminths transmitted through contaminated soil and water with faecal matter, are the leading neglected tropical diseases among the 20 diseases on the WHO list. e infection persists in humans where behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors are linked to the distribution. e rural inhabitants often suffer from the infection preschool school-aged children and pregnant women [3, 4].Morbidity is related to heavy infection intensity. E rural inhabitants often suffer from the infection preschool school-aged children and pregnant women [3, 4]. Current estimate suggests that about 2 billion people are infected with STHs. Helminths are significant contributors to global health problems. E study aimed at determining the magnitude and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infection and associated risk factors in the study area where the prevalence and intensity of the infection are yet unknown at the community level. Lottery method was used for study subject selection in the households. Gender (AOR: 1.67 (95% CI: 1.034–2.706)), lack of fruit washing before consumption (AOR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.6)), open defecation habit (AOR: 1.75 (95% CI: 0.921–3.338)), and drinking untreated water (AOR: 1.994 (95% CI: 1.019–3.90)) were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection. Intervention considering all population of the residents as eligible to deworm and health education are mandatory
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