Assessment of the Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Flood Affected Area of Northeast India

Author(s):  
Sangeeta Deka ◽  
Dipankar Barua ◽  
Yogesh Bahurupi ◽  
Deepjyoti Kalita

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a major disease burden in developing countries, with a considerable share borne by India. Currently, the principal strategy of the World Health Organization for the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is mass deworming in the high-risk population based on the prevalence and intensity of infection in a region. However, the disease load of STH remains unknown in many regions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among children in the age group of 5–13 years in Barpeta, Assam, to ascertain the prevalence of STH infection in school-aged children and its probable risk factors. Socio-demographic and epidemiologic data were gathered using a piloted questionnaire. Geohelminths were identified by the Kato–Katz method. Association with probable risk-factors was analyzed by binomial logistic regression. Overall, 16.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 12.9–19.8] of children were found to be infected with one or more of the three STHs. Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris infections were observed in 9.4%, 7.4%, and 5.3%, respectively. The strongest predictors for the presence of any STH with multivariable analysis were open defecation (habitual or occasional), lack of proper handwashing, living in homes affected by flood, and age group of 8–10 years. The availability of proper handwashing stations in schools was found to be protective against Trichuris. Awareness among the people regarding sanitation and personal hygiene, particularly in the post-flood scenario, is imperative for sustainable control of STH infections. Preventive deworming should be continued; however, the time and frequency must be adjusted according to the prevailing climatic conditions in the region under study.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenwen Xue ◽  
Lina Lu ◽  
Jianfeng Zhu ◽  
Xiangui He ◽  
Jiangnan He ◽  
...  

We investigated the prevalence of clinical trachoma in 154,265 children aged 6 to 16 years in 206 Shanghai migrant schools. Clean water availability in school, each child’s facial cleanliness, eyelids, corneas, and the presenting distance visual acuities were examined. Trachoma was clinically diagnosed in accordance with the World Health Organization simplified classification. Eyes diagnosed with trachoma were swabbed to test for ocularChlamydia trachomatisinfections (OCTI) with a rapid latex immunochromatographic test. Among 153,977 students, no blindness was found related to trachoma. Trachoma was diagnosed in 8029 children (5.2%). In 87 schools clinical trachoma prevalence was higher than 5%. OCTI was confirmed in 2073 of 6823 trachoma diagnosed children (30.4%). Clinical trachoma prevalence was higher among females than males (p<0.001), but gender comparison showed no statistical difference in the prevalence of OCTI (p=0.077). Age and clinical trachoma (r=-0.014;p<0.001) or OCTI (r=-0.026;p=0.031) prevalence were negatively correlated. Clinical trachoma was different in different districts and counties (p<0.001). Trachoma warrants close attention in Shanghai migrant children because the condition remains endemic in some schools.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuvshinbayar Negdel ◽  
Khishigjargal Ulziisaikhan ◽  
Davaakhuu Sengebaljir ◽  
Arigbukh Enkhbat ◽  
Badrakh Munkhbayar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Worldwide, the median prevalence of infertility is 9%, but rates in different countries vary from 3.5–16.7%. Infertility, which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse, is not considered a medical condition but carries a social stigma and can greatly impact a couple’s self-esteem and wellbeing. There are a number of risk factors associated with infertility such as: genetic background, age, socio-economic factors, and health care including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. We have achieved the first population-based study on the prevalence of infertility in reproductive aged women in Mongolia, and the factors that influence it. Method: We conducted a population-based, cross sectional study in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar: East, West, Central Khangai, Central, and Ulaanbaatar. Our questionnaire consisted of categories that influenced infertility such as: socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status and sexual function. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants. Results A total of 1,920 couples residing in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar were studied. The median prevalence rate was 7.2%, which is similar to the worldwide infertility rate of 9%. Primary and secondary infertility was 2.5% and 5% respectively. Sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) contributed to secondary infertility. Our study showed that the most important risk factors for infertility were rural living and low levels of education. Only 14.8% of infertile patients received hormone therapy, and even fewer infertile patients (0.8%) received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Conclusions Our study shows that two most significant risk factors for infertility were: reliving in rural communities and having a low level of education. Occupational conditions, and monthly household income were not significant risk factors for infertility. Since this is the first population-based study in Mongolia we were not able to measure trends in infertility prevalence but intend to do so in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tigist Tiruneh ◽  
Geleta Geshere ◽  
Tsige Ketema

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH)/geohelminths are human parasitic nematodes which need soil contact for their egg development and become infectious. It is widely prevalent in developing countries. In Ethiopia, too, the same problem exists although the prevalence varies from place to place depending on the presence of risk factors and hygienic status of the community. Therefore, the current study is designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of STH among school children at Goro Primary School of Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was employed from April to June 2019. The stool samples were collected in prelabeled, clean, and leak-proof stool cups and examined immediately. Direct wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques were utilized to detect the STHs in a stool sample collected from all study subjects. A total of 387 stool samples were analyzed. Moreover, community- and individual-level risk factors associated with STH infection were assessed using semistructured questionnaire. Results. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections observed at the study area was 15.8% (n=61/387). Among these, the most abundant STH parasite was hookworms (n=39/61, 63.93%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (n=22/61, 36.06%). Factors independently associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections were children from illiterate mother (AOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.8, P=0.021), lack of habit of wearing shoes (AOR=4.1, 95% CI: 2.0-8.5, P<0.001), lack of frequent handwashing practice before meal (AOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.5, P=0.019), use of unprotected drinking water (AOR=39, CI:3.9-393, P=0.002), and presence of dirt in their fingernails (AOR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9, P<0.001). Conclusions. STH infection observed in the study area could be classified into the low-risk area group (according to the World Health Organization classification) calling for none or case-by-case treatment. Thus, enhancing awareness of the community in the study area on how to keep personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is quite important to keep the burden to a controllable level, besides implementation of regular deworming program in the locality.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neetu Purohit ◽  
Divya K. Bhati ◽  
Shiv D. Gupta ◽  
Azad S. Kundu

Background: Non-communicable diseases account for a significant disease burden in the South East Asia region. India is facing an increased incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. Socioeconomic and lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been under investigated in India. This study was designed to explore risk factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease among Indian males.Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,235 males in the age group of 18-60 years across three states of India. A household survey was used to collect demographic and socioeconomic status information in addition to lifestyle-related attributes such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical activity. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to identify the role of various factors that may be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease in this population.Results: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease among the male respondents contacted through a household survey was reported to be 9.8%. Logistic regression revealed that males with higher education and higher income were more likely to report CVD. With age as a strong predictor of CVD, the risk of CVD was found to be five times higher in the older age group. Current smokers were 1.3 times more likely to have CVD compared to those who never smoked. Those who were engaged in physical activity were less likely to have CVD; however, the adverse effects of smoking and excessive consumption of red meat showed a stronger association with CVD than the protective effects of physical activity.Conclusion: In developing countries, where the increase in earning capacity and change in lifestyle has been found to be accompanied by substantial risk of heart disease for males, public health measures like health promotion programs need to be implemented to decrease CVD burden.


2022 ◽  
pp. jrheum.210755
Author(s):  
Karoline Walscheid ◽  
Kai Rothaus ◽  
Martina Niewerth ◽  
Jens Klotsche ◽  
Kirsten Minden ◽  
...  

Objective Data on uveitis in juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA), a category of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), are scarce. We describe prevalence and risk factors for JPsA-associated uveitis (JPsA-U). Methods Cross-sectional data from the National Pediatric Rheumatological Database (from 2002 to 2014) were used to characterize JPsA-U and assess risk factors for uveitis development. Results Uveitis developed in 6.6% of 1862 JPsA patients. JPsA-U patients were more frequently female (73.0 vs 62.9%, p=0.031), ANA positive (60.3 vs 37.0%, p<0.001), younger at JPsA onset (5.3 ± 4.1 vs 9.3 ± 4.4 years, p<0.001), and received DMARD (disease modifying antirheumatic drug) treatment significantly more frequently than JPsA patients without uveitis. On multivariable analysis of a subgroup of 655 patients, mean cJADAS during study documentation was significantly associated with uveitis development. Children with early onset of JPsA were significantly more frequently ANA positive (48.4% vs 35.7% for those younger than 5 years at JPsA onset versus those aged 5 years and older, p<0.001), less often affected by skin disease (55.3% vs 61.0%, p=0.032), but more frequently by uveitis (17.3% vs 3.8%, p<0.001), and required DMARD treatment more frequently (52.9% vs 43.8%, p<0.001). Conclusion The characteristics of JPsA patients developing uveitis are similar to those of patients with uveitis in other JIA categories, such as oligoarticular JIA. Especially those children with early onset of JPsA seem to be at a higher risk for ocular involvement. Our data support the notion of a major clinical difference between those patients with early versus late onset of JPsA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-187
Author(s):  
Ignatius U. Ezeani ◽  
Innocent I. Chukwuonye ◽  
Ugochukwu U. Onyeonoro ◽  
Abali Chuku ◽  
Okechukwu S. Ogah

Background: Population based studies on diabetes mellitus (DM) are scarce in Nigeria. Introduction: This was a population-based house to house survey aimed at determining the prevalence of DM and assessing the risk factors associated with DM in a state in Southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in which 1680 adults were recruited using a multistage sampling method to randomly select not more than two suitable participants of both sex in each household from four enumeration areas (EAs) in each local government area (LGA) and the three senatorial zones in the state. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise Approach to Surveillance questionnaire was used for data collection and random blood glucose (RBG) was measured after anthropometric assessment. Test statistics used were chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of DM in this study was 3.3%. A positive family history of DM was significantly higher in patients with diabetes: 18.2% vs. 9.6% (p=0.036). The mean (SD) of weight, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly higher in patients with DM(p=0.001,<0.001,<0.001,<0.001, respectively).The odd ratio (95% CI) of a person>35years developing DM was 3.89(1.11-13.60). The OR (95% CI) for waist-hip ratio (WHR) was 3.04 (1.02-9.03) and family history of DM had an OR of 2.62(0.88-6.50). The odd of developing DM is positively associated with age>35years, increased WHR, WC, family history of DM, BMI>25Kg/m2, and HC. The odd of developing DM was negatively associated with smoking. Conclusion: The prevalence of DM in this study was 3.3%. A BMI>25 kg/m2, WHR >0.85, family history of DM, HC, and older age were associated with significantly higher prevalence.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e027685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Meiwen Yu ◽  
Ya-wen Wang ◽  
Jia-an Zhang ◽  
Mei Ju ◽  
...  

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which could lead to serious complications and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Psoriasis was recognised as a serious non-communicable disease with important public health impact by member states in the World Health Assembly resolution in 2014. However, data on psoriasis epidemiology are scarce worldwide, especially from low-income and middle-income countries. Only a few epidemiological studies on psoriasis have been conducted in parts of China, mostly without appropriate sampling design and data analysis.AimThis study aims to obtain the prevalence of psoriasis in China and relevant risk factors through a nationwide, population-based study with adequate statistical design.Methods and analysisThis is a cross-sectional study to be conducted in 60 sites across China. A multistage, cluster random sampling design is used. Participants should have local household registration or be residing in the survey area for at least 6 months during the past year. The presence of psoriasis is ascertained independently by two certified dermatologists. If any discrepancies in the diagnosis occur, consensus will be met via discussion. All participants will be interviewed with a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and disease information. The field survey will be implemented from October 2018 to June 2019. All statistical analyses will be conducted using survey procedures in SAS V.9.2 software to adjust for the complex sample design.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of the Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (Nanjing, China). A written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before the questionnaire survey. Findings of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rıza Çıtıl ◽  
Mücahit Eğri ◽  
Yalçın Önder ◽  
Fazilet Duygu ◽  
Yunus Emre Bulut ◽  
...  

Objectives. Turkey is one of the countries that has the most cases of CCHF in recent years among the endemic countries. The disease also poses an important health threat with high mortality rate. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of CCHF in adults aged ≥20 years in Tokat in the endemic region, Turkey. Methods. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a total of 85 Family Medicine Units (FMUs), from over 170 in Tokat, were randomly selected using 50% sampling. The sample size was determined among the subjects aged ≥20 who registered with the FMUs, due to gender, age group, and the urban/rural population size of Tokat using the stratified cluster sampling method. Subjects were invited to the FMUs. A questionnaire was performed face to face. The blood samples were taken, and anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies were measured with ELISA method. Results. 1272 (54.9%) out of 2319 participants were female, and the mean age was 47.3 ± 15.3. Anti-CCHFV IgG seropositivity was 5.6% (n = 130). Seropositivity rates in terms of adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were higher 2.53 times (95% CI: 1.57–4.08; p = 0.001 ) in males; 4.05 (95% CI: 2.14–7.65; p < 0.001 ) in age group ≥65; 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14–0.76; p < 0.001 ) in graduates of high school and above; 0.71 (95%CI: 0.33–1.52; p < 0.001 ) in ones with good income; 1.84 (95%CI: 1.18–2.86; p < 0.001 ) in farmers; 1.64 (95% CI: 1.04–2.27; p < 0.001 ) in people dealing with animal husbandry; and 1.02 (95% CI: 1.03–2.29; p < 0.001 ) in those with history of tick contact. Conclusions. CCHF seroprevalence is still a common public health problem in Tokat, Turkey. Male gender, advanced age group, low-educated, low-income, farmers, animal husbandry, and history of tick contact were found to be risk factors for CCHF. The importance of this kind of community-based studies to identify the seroprevalence in regional and national level increases even more.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 451-457
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Hassan ◽  
Zainab Taha ◽  
Mohammed A. Abdulla ◽  
AbdelAziem A. Ali ◽  
Ishag Adam

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization estimation, African Region deaths of all under-five deaths in 2015 were over 5 times higher in comparison to the European Region. AIM: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, investigate the possible causes and risk factors associated with under-five children’s hospitalization in Kassala, Eastern Sudan. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2015 to March 2016. The data were collected by interviewing mothers. RESULTS: A total of 297 mother-child pairs participated in the study. The mean (SD) of maternal age and children’s age was 27.6 (5.9) years and 16 (11.3) months, respectively. One hundred and three children were hospitalized over the past 6 months. The most common mentioned causes for the last hospitalization were gastroenteritis 28.1% (29/103), respiratory tract infections 19.4% (20/103), malaria 9.7% (10/103), and trauma 3.8% (3/103). In multivariable analysis, a high birth order (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] (1.06, 1.47), low paternal education (AOR 2.89, 95% 1.32, 6.30), and bottle feeding (AOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.30, 3.80) were associated with under-five children’s hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-third of the children were hospitalized in Eastern Sudan. Urgent action is required to address children’s health issues (i.e., the above-mentioned causes and associated factors).


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document