PREVALENCE OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS (STH) INFECTIONS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SELECTED GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED DISADVANTAGED AREAS (GIDA): BASIS FOR SCHOOL-BASED STH PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) infection among primary school children in selected geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in Northern Samar.  It also determined the intensity threshold level of infection, occurrence of single or multiple infection, identify which age group show highest in prevalence and intensities. The outcome was significant in formulating a school-based soil-transmitted helminthes prevention and control program.  It was found out that the prevalence rate of the STH infection among the primary school age children was significantly high. However, in terms of intensity threshold level of infection among the (STH) species, majority had a light infection predominated by trichuris, and followed by ascaris while hookworm species caused low level of infection. A majority had single infection, followed by double and triple infection, in that order. Single infection was highest among trichuris species as observed, double infection appeared with ascaris and trichuris species and the least was the triple infection where the three STH species were present.  It also proved that a school-based soil-transmitted helminthiasis control and prevention program specific to the locality is necessary in order to address its public health concern specifically among school children.