Prevalence, intensity and factors associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool-age children in Hoima district, rural western Uganda

• DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3289-0
• Publication Date: 2018-08-17T08:20:31Z
• Authors: Silvestro Ojja; Stevens Kisaka; Michael Ediau; Doreen Tuhebwe; Angela N. Kisakye; Abdullah A. Halage; Richard K. Mugambe; Joan N. Mutyoba
• Keywords: Eggs per gram; Trichuris trichiura; Cross-sectional study; Deworming

Over 80% of morbidity due to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) occurs in low-income countries. Children under 5 account for 20–30% the burden endemic areas. This study assessed prevalence, intensity and factors associated with STH infections among preschool-age children (PSAC) Hoima district, Uganda. The PSAC are particularly vulnerable because chronicity this condition usually affects their physical mental growth development. A cross-sectional was carried out 562 (1–5 years old) 6 counties district using Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) method. Stool samples from were examined formol ether concentration technique egg detection. Egg counts represented as per gram (EPG). structured questionnaire used collect information infection. Generalized linear models analyze relationships between infection factors. Overall prevalence 26.5%. Hookworm most prevalent (18.5%), followed by A.lumbricoides (9.8%) T.trichiura (0.5%). Prevalence significantly higher aged (Pearson chi-square test, p = 0.009) than 1 year. general geometric mean (GM) (696.1 EPG; range (530.3–913.8)) girls having a GM (789.8 (120–13,200)) boys. Eating uncooked or unwashed vegetables (adj. Ratio (PR) 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.7) fruits (adj.PR 1.8, 1.1–2.8), indiscriminate disposal young children's faeces 1.5, 1.1–2.0); not washing hands after defecation 2.6, 1.9–3.6); deworming regularly 1.4, 1.1–1.8) Soil transmitted helminths increased age. Poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation irregular area. Intense health education importance hygienic practices, improved regular should be integrated into prevention control programs.