STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL WORM INFESTATIONS AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN AND TO IDENTIFY ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a major public health
concern among school-going children in India, particularly due to poor hygiene and
sanitation conditions. These infections contribute to malnutrition, anemia, and
impaired cognitive development. This community-based study aimed to determine
the prevalence of intestinal worm infestations among school-going children and to
identify associated behavioral and environmental risk factors. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted over a 6-month period (November 2024 to April
2025) among 150 school-going children aged 6–12 years residing in Children were
selected through random sampling from households. Data on socio-demographic and
hygiene factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: The overall
prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections was 13.4%. The most frequently
detected parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (45%), followed by hookworm (25%),
Trichuris trichiura (15%), and Hymenolepis nana (10%). Mixed infection was noted
in one case (5%). Higher prevalence was observed among children who did not wash
hands with soap (20.0%), those living in rented houses (27.3%), and those lacking
municipal water supply (15.4%). Children of illiterate mothers had a higher infection
rate (18.4%) compared to those with primary (7.5%) or secondary educated mothers
(10.2%). Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate prevalence of intestinal
helminths among school-going children and confirms significant associations with
poor hygiene practices, lack of maternal education, and inadequate sanitation. These
findings reinforce the need for integrated school- and community-based deworming
programs alongside improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
infrastructure and maternal literacy.