Prevalence and intensity of soil transmitted helminths among preschool age children in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminths infections are a major public health challenge in developing countries especially those confined to the tropics. These infections include the three common intestinal parasites namely: Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). Soil transmitted helminths are among the neglected tropical diseases that infect the less privileged populations whose risk increases with poor hygiene and sanitation. Helminths cause chronic infections. The control soil transmitted helminths include use of cheap drugs but require collective responsibility among parents, health institutions and special programs such as mass deworming campaigns. This study aimed at determining soil transmitted helminths prevalence and intensity, socio-economic factors impacting helminths prevalence and control methods among preschool age children in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya. Two hundred and forty-four participants were registered for the study from households with children below five years of age. Demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool sample was collected from subjects for laboratory diagnosis to determine infection. The Kato-Katz technique was used to establish the evidence of eggs and worm burden on sampled stool. The overall STHs prevalence was high, with 86% of preschool age children having infections with one to three of the soil transmitted helminths species. Parasite specific prevalence was reported as 28% mixed infections, 50.84% T. trichiura, 25.14% A. lumbricoides, and 10.06% hookworm species. Socio-economic factors including level of education of the mother and her occupation, as well as the level of education of the household head showed significant impact on the prevalence of STHs among PSAC in Elburgon Municipality. National school mass deworming campaigns should be extended to include Pre-School Age Children not only in Elburgon but also in other semi-urban centers.