Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Plantation Sector Schoolchildren in Sri Lanka
Author Information
Author(s): Gunawardena Kithsiri, Kumarendran Balachandran, Ebenezer Roshini, Gunasingha Muditha Sanjeewa, Pathmeswaran Arunasalam, de Silva Nilanthi
Primary Institution: University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Hypothesis
What is the current prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections among primary school children in the plantation sector of Sri Lanka?
Conclusion
The study indicates that even after 10 years of mass chemotherapy, the prevalence of soil-transmitted infections can rebound if other long-term control measures are not implemented.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall combined prevalence of infection was 29.0%; 11.6% had infections of moderate-heavy intensity.
- The commonest infection was Ascaris lumbricoides, present in all five districts.
- Multivariate analysis identified low altitude and maternal under-education as risk factors for infections.
- Poor household sanitation was identified as a risk factor for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections.
Takeaway
This study found that many schoolchildren in Sri Lanka's plantations still have worm infections, even after years of treatment, showing that just giving medicine isn't enough to keep them healthy.
Methodology
A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted, examining faecal samples from children in 114 schools across five districts.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reporting for de-worming history and socio-economic data.
Limitations
Only a single faecal sample was examined per child, which may underestimate true prevalence.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 3-18 years from plantation sector schools in five districts of Sri Lanka.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.40–0.76
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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