scholarly journals Prevalence of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pokkamol Laoraksawong ◽  
Pimyada Pansuwan ◽  
Supakrit Krongchon ◽  
Pongphan Pongpanitanont ◽  
Penchom Janwan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Enterobius Vermicularis ◽  
Important Public Health Problem ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Objective: Enterobius vermicularis infection is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among schoolchildren in tropical and subtropical countries. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections varies in each region of Thailand, but its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of southern region. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of E. vermicularis infections and to identify the risk factors for infection among schoolchildren who live in rural communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand.Results: The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.79% (23 of 397). According to the multivariate analysis, the following were found to be risk factors associated with E. vermicularis infections (P < 0.05): male sex (AOR = 4.03, 95%CI 1.22-13.29), age group 3-6 years (AOR = 4.85, 95%CI 1.51-15.59), those having mother’s education level of primary school (AOR = 11.22, 95%CI 1.75-71.77), those having older sibling(s) (AOR = 6.25, 95%CI 1.83-21.26), those having younger sibling(s) (AOR = 6.24, 95%CI 2.00-19.44), those sometimes washing hands after using toilet (AOR = 5.25, 95%CI 1.24-22.21), those keeping fingernail long (AOR = 29.97, 95%CI 6.16-145.85), and those sucking their finger (AOR = 3.59, 95%CI 1.21-10.66).

scholarly journals Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pokkamol Laoraksawong ◽  
Pimyada Pansuwan ◽  
Supakrit Krongchon ◽  
Pongphan Pongpanitanont ◽  
Penchom Janwan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Enterobius Vermicularis ◽  
Significant Independent Predictor ◽  
Important Public Health Problem ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background Enterobius vermicularis infection is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among schoolchildren in tropical and subtropical countries. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections varies in each region of Thailand; however, its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of the southern region. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of E. vermicularis infections and to identify the risk factors for infection among schoolchildren who live in rural communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand. Results The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.79% (23 of 397). According to a multivariate analysis, the following were found to be risk factors associated with E. vermicularis infections (P < 0.05): those of the male sex (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI 1.22–13.29), those in the 3–6 year age group (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.51–15.59), those who have a mother with a primary school education level (AOR = 11.22, 95% CI 1.75–71.77), those who have older sibling(s) (AOR = 6.25, 95% CI 1.83–21.26), those who have younger sibling(s) (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI 2.00–19.44), those who sometimes wash their hands after using the toilet (AOR = 5.25, 95% CI 1.24–22.21), those who keep their fingernails long (AOR = 29.97, 95% CI 6.16–145.85), and those who suck their fingers (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.21–10.66). Conclusions This was the first report that revealed the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children who live in rural areas of Southern Thailand through detection using the Scotch tape technique. This study demonstrated that the high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections in schoolchildren with siblings was a significant independent predictor and that the transmission of this infection may occur in the family through their school-age siblings. In addition, children who have poor personal hygiene have a high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections. Therefore, maintaining good handwashing habits, keeping one’s fingernails short, and avoiding sucking one’s fingers should be important preventive measures against infection. Moreover, health literacy or health education, especially for parents or the principal caretakers of children, should be implemented to reduce E. vermicularis infections.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis and risk factors in animal breeders in rural communities in Denizli, Turkey

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (09) ◽  
pp. 1188-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serife Akalin ◽  
Selda Sayin Kutlu ◽  
Selmin D Caylak ◽  
Ozgur Onal ◽  
Selcuk Kaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
The People ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious public health problem in sheep-raising regions of Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of echinococcosis in rural regions of Denizli in Turkey. Methodology: This study was undertaken in four townships in Denizli County between May 2009 and July 2009. Family members were interviewed to assess possible risk factors for infection and tested for anti-E. granulosus antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Of the 1,133 individuals included in the study, 78 (6.9%) were found to be anti-EG seropositive. Multivariate analysis showed that the 30–39 year age group (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 ± 8.33; p = 0.01), the ≥ 60 year group (OR: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.57 ± 10.61; p = 0.004), and the group that reported sometimes or never getting veterinary care for their animals (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.05 ± 2.93; p = 0.032) had higher rates of seropositivity. Multivariate analysis showed that education was not significantly associated with seropositivity. Furthermore, no significant correlation with location, occupation, dog ownership or contact with dogs, or with cattle and/or sheep/goat ownership was found. Regular veterinary care and education had significant effects on lowering the prevalence of CE. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preventive measures, such as regular veterinary care for animals and educative and supportive activities oriented to the people working in farming and animal husbandry should be taken to decrease the prevalence of human CE in Turkey.

scholarly journals Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors among elderly individuals living in rural areas of southern Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratee Kache ◽  
Nonthapan Phasuk ◽  
Parnpen Viriyavejakul ◽  
Chuchard Punsawad
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Elderly Populations ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a neglected tropical disease affecting approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. In past decades, most studies focused on STH infection in preschool-aged and school-aged children in different regions of Thailand. However, little is known about the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in the elderly population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence and intensity of STH infections and to identify associated risk factors among the elderly population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2019 to assess the prevalence of STH infections and associated risk factors among elderly populations living in five subdistricts of Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. A total of 439 elderly individuals were selected using a random sampling technique. Each fresh stool sample was examined using the formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT), Kato-Katz thick smears and agar plate culture (APC). A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information regarding associated risk factors for STH infection. Results The overall prevalence of STH infection was 15.7%. Hookworms (10.9%, 48/439) were the most prevalent STH species, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (3.4%, 15/439) and Trichuris trichiura (2.1%, 9/439). Most elderly individuals infected with hookworms or T. trichiura had light-intensity infections. A higher prevalence of STH infection was observed among individuals aged older than 80 years (23.4%) than among those aged between 70 and 79 years (15.2%) and 60–69 years (14.5%). Males were 1.85-times more likely to present with STH infections than females. Not washing vegetables before eating increased the risk of STH infection by 3.19 times, while defecation in an open field increased the risk of STH infection by 2.65 times. Conclusions The findings suggested that STH infection is prevalent, and that hookworms are the most common STH species among elderly populations in southern Thailand. Personal hygiene and deworming programs should be implemented among the elderly population to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of STH infections.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Soil–Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associ-ated Risk Factors among Schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thamma-rat, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pokkamol LAORAKSAWONG ◽  
Aubonrat SUNTARALUK ◽  
Watcharapong KONGNIL ◽  
Pongphan PONGPANITANONT ◽  
Penchom JANWAN
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Southern Thailand

Background: Soil–transmitted helminth infections constitute a public health problem in the rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand. We aimed to determine the prevalence of soil–transmitted helminth infections and underlying risk factors among the schoolchildren living in the rural areas of southern Thailand. Methods: A cross–sectional survey was conducted between Sep and Nov 2018 in the district of Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. A total of 192 children, aged 6–12 yr were enrolled. Each child provided a single stool sample that was subjected to a suite of microscopic diagnoses for soil–transmitted helminth. A questionnaire was administered to determine risk factors of the infections. Logistic regression models were applied to investigate associations. Results: The overall prevalence of soil–transmitted helminth infections was 3.13%; Strongyloides stercoralis 2.08%; hookworm 1.04% and Trichuris trichiura 0.52%. Children who cutting fingernails short can prevent soil–transmitted helminth infections highly up to 90% (crude OR = 0.1; 95% confidence interval = 0 – 0.8; P = 0.020). Conclusion: The finding of the study shows a sharp decrease in the prevalence of soil–transmitted helminth among schoolchildren in the southern Thailand in the past two decades with prevalence dropping below 5% for soil–transmitted helminth. However, the prevalence of S. stercoralis remained stable over time. These results suggest that the culture method should be used to access strongyloidiasis situation in the older age group who greater contact with soil for agriculturists.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren from rural areas of southern Thailand

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonthapan Phasuk ◽  
Chuchard Punsawad
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Round Worm ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract BackgroundHuman toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by a parasite in the genus Toxocara and is transmitted mainly by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara canis (dog round worm) or T. cati (cat round worm) eggs. Several studies reported that children were the main population at risk for T. canis infection. Currently, no reports on the seroprevalence of T. canis infection in Thailand are available, and its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of southern Thailand.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and its associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.MethodsA total of 177 schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age were recruited between June and July 2019. Serum anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect demographic and behavioral risk factor data.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of T. canis infection was 58.2% (103 of 177). The univariate analysis revealed that schoolchildren who did not practice handwashing before a meal (crude odds ratio (COR) = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.93-6.95, P < 0.001), did not practice hand washing after animal contact (COR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.53-5.47, P = 0.001), and drank untreated water (COR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.00-3.48, P = 0.049) had an increased risk of acquiring T. canis infection. However, after adjusting for confounders, only a lack of handwashing before a meal remained a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.11-4.34, P = 0.023). Age, sex, owning a dog and eating fresh vegetables were not significantly associated with T. canis infection in the current study.ConclusionsThis is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among schoolchildren in Thailand. The high rate of Toxocara seropositivity reflected high levels of exposure to T. canis among schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Thailand. The results also provide baseline data regarding modifiable risk behaviors for effective T. canis infection prevention strategies in southern Thailand, especially strengthening hand washing practices among schoolchildren.

scholarly journals Assessing the Magnitude and Risk Factors Associated With Undiagnosed Hypertension in Rural Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Christian Mazimpaka ◽  
Sabin Nsanzimana ◽  
Jenae Logan ◽  
Agnes Binagwaho ◽  
Rex Wong
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Undiagnosed Hypertension ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Individuals living with hypertension are predisposed to higher risk of stroke, kidney diseases and heart failure. Approximately 9.4 million people worldwide die from complications related to hypertension every year. Hypertension is often known as the silent killer because many people do not develop any symptoms until they get very sick. Early screening is particularly important for better treatment outcomes yet it remains a challenge in many countries. Worldwide, approximately 50% of people are living with undiagnosed hypertension. In Rwanda, the rate of undiagnosed hypertension is unknown, and so are the associated risk factors in rural communities. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to determine the rate and risk factors of undiagnosed hypertension among adults in a rural community in Rwanda.  The proportion of people having undiagnosed hypertension was found to be high. Out of 155 study participants, 41.9% had undiagnosed hypertension, with slightly more men having hypertension (52.3%) than women (47.7%). More than 98% of respondents either did not know or knew wrong information about hypertension, and only 3% knew they should have regular checkups with physicians. Age (p=0.027) and alcohol consumption (p=0.014) were found to be statistically significantly associated with hypertension. Smoking and exercise were not found to be risk factors as most Rwandans living in the rural areas are physically active.  Programs to promote hypertension awareness, encourage regular physical checkups, and reduce alcohol consumption are needed to improve diagnosis and control of hypertension in Rwanda. Community programs offering free regular blood pressure checks may also be helpful in identifying early hypertension. Larger scale studies of this kind should be conducted to understand whether results can be generalized to other areas of Rwanda.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of AsymptomaticLeishmania donovaniamong Laborers and Associated Risk Factors in Agricultural Camps of West Armachiho District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Leishmania Donovani ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Study Participants

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

scholarly journals Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among School-going Children of Age 1-5 years in Dharan, Eastern Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (01) ◽  
pp. 26-35
Author(s):  
Dhiren Subba Limbu ◽  
Samana Shrestha ◽  
Kamana Bantawa ◽  
Ramesh Majhi ◽  
Milan Kharel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Plastic Container ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

 Intestinal parasitic infections have been a major public health burden of developing countries, especially in children. Higher prevalence has been reported among school children, mostly in rural areas of Nepal where water, toilets, hygiene, and sanitation facilities are insufficient. This cross-sectional study was carried out from April to September 2019 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-going children1-5 years of Dharan, Nepal, and to assess the associated risk factors. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, kept in an icebox, and transported to the laboratory. Data relating to different risk factors were collected from the parents of 116 participants using a structured questionnaire. The parasites were identified by using the direct wet mount method and formal-ether concentration method. Pearson’s chi-square test was carried out to establish associations between dependent and independent variables using SPSS version 20, and the test considered a greater than < 0.05% as statistically significant with a 95% confidence level. Out of the 116 stool samples, 9 (7.75%) tested positive for the parasitic infections in which 5 (55.5%) were protozoa and 4 (44.45%) were helminths. The prevalent parasites, were Entamoeba histolytica (23%), Hyamenolepis nana (22%), Giardia lamblia (11%), Hookworm (11%), Entamoeba coli (11%), Ascaris lumbricoides (11%), and Intestinal parasitic infections had a significant association with drinking water, bowel syndrome, bathing habit, toilet facility, and washing hands after toilets (p<0.05). Lack of toilets, poor hygiene, and unsafe drinking water were the main risk factors. Improved hygienic practices, safe drinking water, and the use of latrines could lower the rate of parasitic infections.

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