Abstract:
Soil- transmitted nematode (STN) infections are a major health problem found
among children and adult of low socio economic status in developing countries.
The identification of the factors that affect the prevalence of soil transmitted
helminthes infections should help to maximize the effectiveness of programmes for
the control of these diseases. High prevalence of helminthiasis had been reported in
the Sri Lanka in the past. No heavy infections on soil transmitted nematodes have
been recorded at present. According to past records geo helminthes infestations
been recorded in slum communities in sub-urban areas in Matara district too.
Present study is also on attempt to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted
nematode infections in students who came from low socio-economic groups in
Matara district. Aims of this investigation are to compare the soil transmitted
nematode infection among four schools where two schools are being situated in
rural areas and two in suburban areas, in addition, the relationship between the
prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infection and age, socioeconomic status,
availability of sanitary facilities, hygienic conditions were studied in students in
both urban schools and rural schools in Matara district. Students were selected
under 5 age groups. Apart from these age groups, disable students at Thudawa
Maha Vidyalaya were studied as a separate group. Stool samples were collected
from each child and information about the socioeconomic status, hygienic
conditions and sanitary facilities were collected by a questionnaire given to them/
The age of the students at that time of examination ranged from 6-14 years. A
total 281 stool samples were examined and 28 students were infected (10%). The
infection was low prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoicies, Trichuris irichurcu,Necalor
americanus and Enlerobius were 1.07%, 2.14%, 6.05% and 2.14 respectively. The
Prevalence of Ascaris and Trichuris infections was higher in urban schools than the
rural schools. But the prevalence of hook worm infection was similar in the two
areas. According to our findings, there were no differences in the prevalence of soil
transmitted nematodes (STN) infection among schools (p - 0.695). And also there
were no significant differences within age groups in four schools (p = 0.14 I).
Finally there was weak relationship between the soil transmitted helminthes
infection and the parameters studied in the four schools. It means there was no
significant correlation between the STN infections and all parameters studied (p >
0.05). But there was significant correlation between infection and age and house in
Senanayaka School (r = 0.25*, r = 332**, P < 0.05). Although the
prevalence of these diseases is not high, this study reveals that soil-transmitted
infections are important community healthy problem. A more meaningful
programme of environmental sanitation along with health education and short term
mass deworming treatment are possible strategies to control this problem.
