[Research progress in soil-transmitted helminth infection control among children at home and abroad]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections disproportionately affect children, posing significant health risks.
• Long-term STH infections can impair nutritional status, overall health development, and cognitive functions in children.
• Key STHs include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, and hookworm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global prevalence and influencing factors of STH infections in children.
• To analyze the impact of STH infections on children's health, cognitive ability, and academic performance.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for STH control in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on STH prevalence in children.
• Analysis of factors associated with STH infection risk in pediatric populations.
• Synthesis of research on the health and developmental consequences of STH infections.

Main Results:

• STH infections are prevalent in children worldwide, with variations based on geographic location and socioeconomic factors.
• Infections negatively affect children's growth, micronutrient status, and cognitive development.
• Interventions like deworming programs show promise in mitigating STH's impact.

Conclusions:

• STH infections represent a substantial global health burden for children.
• Addressing STH requires comprehensive strategies including prevention, treatment, and monitoring.
• Further research is needed to optimize interventions and improve long-term child health outcomes.