PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL WORM INFESTATIONS AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN

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 [insert location].
Children were selected through random sampling from households. Data on sociodemographic 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.