Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study
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Date
2024
Journal Title
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Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan
Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched
in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however
monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in
Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections
among SAC in Narok County.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara
West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating
schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were
selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were
examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was
used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139
of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and
mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors
associated with STH infections.
Results
The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1–28.6). Trichuris trichiura
14.4% (95%CI: 11.7–17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9–15.7) and
hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with
increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with
aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45–19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29–15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated
with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81–33.63); p = 0.006.
Conclusions
Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still � 20% in Trans Mara West
sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual
MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the
region’s most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending
specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and
improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated
catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH
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Citation
Kihoro RW, Mulewa D, Okoyo C, Ayaa D, Korir A, Njomo DW, et al. (2024) Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE 19(5)