Soil-transmitted helminth infection in Shikan, North Kordofan, 2017.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Soil transmitted helminthes infection among school children in shikan locality north kordofan state 2017
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Aisha Abass Sharf Eldeen and Adam Abdallah Mohamed
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Soil transmitted helminthes infection among school children in shikan locality north kordofan state 2017
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201817-13343
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a group of parasitic worms that are prevalent globally, particularly in less developed regions. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in North Kordofan State, Sudan, among primary school pupils to determine the prevalence of STH infections. A sample of 383 children was analyzed, revealing significant insights into the types of STHs present, demographic factors influencing infection rates, and the related impacts on school performance. The overall prevalence rate noted was 38.1%, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths
The study found that the most common soil-transmitted helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides (45.9%), followed by hookworms (29.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (19.8%). A small percentage (4.1%) of pupils were infected by more than one species of helminth. Children aged 6 to 14 showed similar infection rates of 38% to 39%, while those aged 15 to 17 had a lower infection rate of 28%, likely due to improved hygiene practices. These findings highlight that STH infections are still a significant public health issue in the region.
Factors Influencing Infection Rates
Multiple factors were identified as determinants of STH infections, including hygiene practices and access to clean water. The study indicated a strong correlation between STH prevalence and behaviors such as handwashing before meals, handwashing after using the bathroom, and trimming fingernails. Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between these habits and infection rates, suggesting that educational efforts in hygiene could greatly reduce STH prevalence.
Impact on School Performance
The study also examined the effect of STH infections on educational outcomes. Among infected pupils, 86.9% reported a deterioration in academic performance due to illness. Factors such as absenteeism and overall health impacted learning capabilities, indicating that untreated STH infections can lead to long-term consequences for children's education. This reinforces the need for health interventions aimed at reducing these infections to improve both health and educational outcomes.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among school-age children in North Kordofan State emphasizes the urgent need for public health interventions. Recommendations include conducting regular deworming programs, improving access to safe drinking water, enhancing sanitation, and raising awareness about hygiene practices among children and their families. Collaborative efforts between health authorities, educational institutions, and communities are essential to effectively combat the issue of STH infections and their associated impacts on child health and academic performance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the primary aim of the study conducted in North Kordofan?
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among primary school pupils in Shikan locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan.
What was the overall prevalence rate of STH infections found?
The study found an overall prevalence rate of 38.1% for soil-transmitted helminth infections among the sampled school children.
Which types of soil-transmitted helminths were most commonly identified?
The most common soil-transmitted helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (45.9%), Hookworm (29.5%), and Trichuris trichuria (19.8%).
How did hygiene practices influence the prevalence of infections?
Hygiene practices, such as handwashing and maintaining trimmed fingernails, were significant factors affecting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, with poor hygiene linked to higher infection rates.
What recommendations were made to address the high prevalence of STH?
The study recommended urgent public health interventions, including deworming treatments and improving personal hygiene and sanitation among school-aged children.
What correlation was observed between education and helminth infections?
The study suggested that children whose mothers had higher education levels had lower prevalence rates of intestinal helminth infections, highlighting the impact of parental education on children's health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Soil-transmitted helminth infection in Shikan, North Kordofan, 2017.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The study highlights the investigation conducted to evaluate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in primary schoolchildren in Shikan locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan. It outlines methodologies, findings, and the implications of STH infections on childhood health, education, and overall community well-being.
2) Soil:
Soil is a critical component in the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths as these parasites thrive in contaminated ground. The presence of eggs in the soil, due to inadequate sanitation, facilitates the spread of infections, especially among children who engage in outdoor activities, leading to increased exposure.
3) Water:
Water quality, specifically the sources used for drinking and hygiene, plays a key role in the prevalence of helminth infections. Access to clean drinking water is essential for preventing STH transmission, highlighting the relationship between water sanitation and health among children in the studied population.
4) Worm:
Worms, specifically soil-transmitted helminths like Ascaris, hookworms, and Trichuris, are the focus of the study as they cause significant health issues in infected children. Understanding their prevalence aids in identifying at-risk populations and informing public health interventions aimed at reducing infection rates.
5) Hand:
Hand hygiene is emphasized as a crucial preventive measure against STH transmission. The study reveals that washing hands with soap before eating and after using the bathroom significantly impacts infection rates, demonstrating the importance of proper hygiene practices in reducing parasitic infections.
6) Cutan:
Sudan serves as the geographical context for the study, where STH infections are prevalent due to various socio-economic factors, including poverty and inadequate sanitation. Understanding the local prevalence of infections aids in formulating targeted health interventions tailored to the unique challenges in Sudan.
7) Education:
Education, particularly maternal education, is linked to the prevalence of STH infections. Higher education levels among parents potentially correlate with better health-seeking behaviors and practices regarding hygiene, thereby influencing the overall health outcomes of their children in the community.
8) Pur:
The term 'poor' refers to the socio-economic conditions that exist in the populations studied. Poverty influences access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and health education, which in turn exacerbates the prevalence of STH infections among children, underlining the cycle of poverty and poor health.
9) Performance:
Academic performance is significantly affected by STH infections, as these parasites can impair cognitive functions and result in increased absenteeism. The study examines the correlation between health conditions related to worm infections and school performance among affected children.
10) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene practices, including personal and environmental cleanliness, are essential in controlling the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths. The study highlights the relationship between hygiene behaviors and the prevalence of infections, stressing the need for health education and improved sanitation in schools.
11) Table:
Tables in the study are used to present statistical data clearly, summarizing the prevalence rates of various soil-transmitted helminths among the study population. These visual aids facilitate comprehension of the findings and help in drawing comparisons based on different parameters.
12) Disease:
Disease refers to the health outcomes resulting from infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths. The study aims to highlight the morbidity associated with these infections, including malnutrition and anemia, which significantly affect children's health and development.
13) Food:
Food safety and hygiene standards are critical in preventing STH infections, as improper handling and preparation can lead to contamination. The study shows correlations between eating habits and the risk of acquiring infections among school-aged children.
14) Male:
The term 'male' in this study indicates the gender of participants and highlights the observed differences in infection rates between boys and girls. Gender analysis is important for understanding varying health risks and tailoring interventions to specific demographic groups.
15) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition is a significant consequence of STH infections, as these parasites disrupt nutrient absorption. The study discusses the correlation between worm prevalence and nutritional deficiencies among schoolchildren, stressing the importance of addressing both issues simultaneously.
16) Observation:
Observation pertains to the data collection method used in the study, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of health behaviors and conditions among schoolchildren. Observational methods help identify patterns related to STH infection spread and risk factors.
17) Species:
Species refers to the different types of soil-transmitted helminths discussed in the study, such as Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. Understanding the specific species prevalent in a population is crucial for tailoring treatment and prevention strategies.
18) Transmission:
Transmission describes how soil-transmitted helminth infections spread within the community, often through contaminated soil, water, and hands. The study highlights key transmission routes, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to minimize exposure.
19) House:
Housing conditions impact health outcomes particularly in relation to sanitation and access to clean water. The study examines how the living environments of schoolchildren influence the prevalence of STH infections and overall community health.
20) Learning:
Learning encompasses educational achievements among school-aged children, which are adversely affected by STH infections. The study highlights the relationship between health and educational performance, stressing the need for integrated health interventions within school systems.
21) Pregnant:
Pregnant women are at higher risk of STH infections, which can have severe consequences for both maternal health and fetal development. The study addresses the need for targeted interventions for pregnant women to prevent infections that could impact their children's health.
22) Family:
Family dynamics, including the educational level and health-seeking behavior of parents, significantly influence children's vulnerability to STH infections. Understanding family influences can guide effective outreach and intervention strategies to improve the health of future generations.
23) Drug:
Drugs, specifically anthelmintics like albendazole and mebendazole, are primary methods of treating STH infections. The study underscores the importance of providing access to these medications as part of public health initiatives aimed at controlling worm burdens in schoolchildren.
24) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the statistical analysis and data collection processes used to determine prevalence rates of STH infections. Accurate measurement is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
25) Swallowed:
Swallowed refers to the method of infection transmission, particularly the ingestion of eggs through contaminated food or hands. This highlights the significance of promoting hygiene practices to prevent the entry of parasitic eggs into the body.
26) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom that may arise from STH infections, impacting children's health and leading to absenteeism from school. Recognizing symptoms like vomiting can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment of infected children.
27) Animal:
Animal presence in households can be linked to STH transmission, as pets and livestock may carry parasites that infect humans. Understanding the relationship between animals and human health is essential for developing holistic control measures.
28) India:
India is referenced as a country where similar studies on soil-transmitted helminths have been conducted. Comparisons with other geographical areas enhance understanding of the global burden of STH infections and health challenges faced in different contexts.
29) Fever:
Fever can be a common symptom of various infections, including those caused by soil-transmitted helminths. The study acknowledges fever as a potential indicator of health deterioration in children and emphasizes the importance of monitoring health symptoms.
30) Catching (Catch, Catched):
Catch refers to the potential for children to experience improved learning outcomes post-treatment for STH infections. The study indicates that treating infections can help children regain lost educational opportunities and enhance their overall academic performance.
31) Tank:
Tank refers to storage systems for water, and their condition can greatly affect water quality. The study highlights that the source and maintenance of water tanks are crucial factors in preventing STH infections among schoolchildren.
32) Pain:
Pain is a symptom often associated with STH infections and can significantly affect a child’s ability to engage in daily activities, including school attendance. Recognizing pain as a consequence of these infections is essential for timely intervention.
33) Developing:
Developing refers to countries or regions with lower economic resources and higher rates of STH infections due to inadequate sanitation and health infrastructure. Understanding the context of developing nations is crucial for implementing effective health interventions.
34) Knowledge:
Knowledge about soil-transmitted helminths is vital for empowering communities to reduce infection rates. The study indicates that enhancing awareness of STH risks and prevention strategies can lead to improved health behaviors among children and families.
35) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the various treatments, including anthelmintics, used to combat soil-transmitted helminth infections. The availability of effective medicine is essential for public health strategies focusing on reducing the burden of these infections among schoolchildren.
36) Account:
Account refers to the importance of documenting and reporting cases of STH infections to understand their prevalence and impact. Accurate records help health authorities develop targeted interventions and allocate necessary resources efficiently.
37) Nature:
Nature relates to the environmental factors contributing to STH transmission, including soil contamination and sanitation practices. Understanding the natural conditions that foster STH infections is key to designing effective public health strategies.
38) Reason:
Reason encompasses the underlying factors contributing to the high prevalence of STH infections in the studied population, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate sanitation. Identifying these reasons informs targeted interventions.
39) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the process of gathering information through questionnaires, ensuring comprehensive data collection about participants’ health behaviors and knowledge regarding soil-transmitted helminths in the context of the study.
40) Egypt:
Egypt is mentioned as a comparative region where STH prevalence studies have been conducted, enabling researchers to contextualize their findings. Understanding STH dynamics across regions aids in developing broader health strategies.
41) Earth:
Earth refers to the soil environment where STH eggs are located, highlighting the ecological context of these parasites. This connection underscores the need for actions that improve soil hygiene to mitigate infection risks.
42) Crop:
Crop cultivation practices can influence STH transmission risk, especially through the use of contaminated soil and manure. The study suggests that educational outreach on safe agricultural practices may help prevent infections.
43) Line:
Line could refer to the social and economic lines that separate populations with varying risks of STH infections. Understanding these divisions can help tailor interventions to reach the most affected groups effectively.
44) Life:
Life encompasses the broader impact of STH infections on children’s health and development. The study emphasizes how these infections can hinder quality of life and educational outcomes, necessitating urgent public health interventions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Soil-transmitted helminth infection in Shikan, North Kordofan, 2017.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Malnutrition, Public health, Clean drinking water, Hygiene practices, Cross-sectional study, Prevalence rate, Ascaris lumbricoides, School children, Epidemiology, Risk factor, Community based study, Educational performance, Community intervention.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.