Helminthiasis in school-age children from Gresik, East Java, Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant global health issue, particularly affecting school-age children in endemic areas.
• Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, faces challenges in controlling STH prevalence among its young population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections in school-age children in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia.
• To provide data for targeted interventions to reduce STH transmission in the region.

Main Methods:

• An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted from July to November 2023.
• 183 school-age children from selected elementary schools were screened for helminth eggs in fecal samples.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with STH infection.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of STH infection was 12% (22 out of 183 children).
• The most common helminths identified were *Ascaris lumbricoides* (6.36%), *Trichuris trichiura* (1.304%), *Oxyuris vermicularis* (1.304%), and Hookworm (1.304%).
• Significant risk factors included not wearing shoes in school (OR 8.392), playing in dumpsites (OR 4.521), and inadequate handwashing before eating (OR 3.579).

Conclusions:

• Hygiene conditions in schools and children's daily practices significantly influence STH infection rates.
• Recommendations include improving school hygiene and integrating hygiene education into school health programs to reduce STH prevalence.