Usang Anok Ukam, Imalele Edema Enogiomwan, Effanga Emmanuel Offiong, Ukoha Ukoha Kalu, Eleng Ituna Emini
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
BMC Public Health. 2025 Jan 2;25(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-21210-4.
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly affecting children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years). This study investigated the prevalence of STH infections, examined associated risk factors, and assessed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted within schools and took place from April to June 2023 and involved 382 participants in Calabar, Nigeria. All participants in the study completed a questionnaire designed to gather information on their demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding STH infections. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Fresh faecal samples were collected from each study participant and examined via the Kato-Katz technique. The data were analysed using STATA software, version 14. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of STH infections and to examine the associations between STH infection status and stunting, underweight, and wasting.
The overall prevalence of STHs was 28.8%, with Ascaris lumbricoides (19.6%) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of STHs was greater among males (30.2%) than females (27.7%) and was relatively greater among participants aged 10 years and above (34.8%). All study participants recorded light infection intensities. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 10.5%, 8.4%, and 6.3%, respectively. Respondents with no history of deworming were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Odds Ratio: 0.2; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.1-0.4; P < 0.001). The use of pit latrines was associated with a greater likelihood of STH infection (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3-3.4; P = 0.002). Additionally, respondents with poor attitude scores were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.8; P = 0.003), and those over 10 years old (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04-0.82; P = 0.027) were significantly less likely to be underweight than those aged 5-7 years. There was no association between stunting, underweight, wasting, and STH infection.
These findings highlight the necessity for an integrated approach to STH management and nutrition initiatives in Nigeria.
土壤传播的蠕虫（STH）感染是发展中国家一个重大的公共卫生问题，尤其影响儿童（5 - 9岁）和青少年（10 - 12岁）。本研究调查了STH感染的患病率，检查了相关风险因素，并评估了它们对儿童和青少年营养状况的影响。
2023年4月至6月在学校内进行了一项分析性横断面研究，涉及尼日利亚卡拉巴尔的382名参与者。研究中的所有参与者都完成了一份问卷，旨在收集他们的人口统计学信息以及关于STH感染的知识、态度和行为（KAP）。根据世界卫生组织（WHO）标准进行人体测量。从每个研究参与者收集新鲜粪便样本，并通过加藤 - 厚涂片法进行检查。使用STATA软件14版对数据进行分析。采用二项逻辑回归模型来确定STH感染的预测因素，并检查STH感染状况与发育迟缓、体重不足和消瘦之间的关联。
STH的总体患病率为28.8%，其中蛔虫（19.6%）最为常见。男性（30.2%）的STH患病率高于女性（27.7%），10岁及以上参与者中的患病率相对更高（34.8%）。所有研究参与者的感染强度均为轻度。发育迟缓、体重不足和消瘦的患病率分别为10.5%、8.4%和6.3%。没有驱虫史的受访者感染STH的可能性显著较低（优势比：0.2；95%置信区间：0.1 - 0.4；P < 0.001）。使用坑式厕所与感染STH的可能性更大相关（优势比：2.1；95%置信区间：1.3 - 3.4；P = 0.002）。此外，态度得分较低的受访者感染STH的可能性显著较低（调整后优势比：0.6；95%置信区间：0.4 - 0.8；P = 0.003），10岁以上的受访者（优势比：0.1；95%置信区间：0.04 - 0.82；P = 0.027）体重不足的可能性显著低于5 - 7岁的受访者。发育迟缓、体重不足、消瘦与STH感染之间没有关联。
这些发现凸显了尼日利亚采用综合方法进行STH管理和营养干预措施的必要性。
