Soil Transmitted Helminths Infection in Elementary School Students in Highland and Lowland Areas of Gianyar Regency
Abstract: Soil-Transmitted
Helminths (STH) Infection is a worm infection which is transmitted through
soil. STH is still a public health problems around the world, including
Indonesia. The tropical climates of Indonesia is a suitable environment for
viability of STH. The prevalence of STH in Bali since 2003-2007 reached
40.94%-92.4%. The altitude of an area may affect the rate of STH infection. The
rate of STH infection is higher on population in highland area compared to
lowland area. This study aimed to identify risk factors of STH infection in
elementary school students in highland and lowland area in Gianyar Regency.
This study used cross sectional analytic design and was conducted in 2016. The
total samples of this study were 104 students which were consisted of 53
students in highland area and 51 students in lowland area. The samples were
collected using cluster random sampling technique. The specimens were examined
using Kato-katz method. The results showed that the prevalence of STH infection
in elementary school students in highland area (28.31%) was higher than in
lowland area (1.96%). In lowland area, the risk factor could not be clearly
identified because there was only one student with a positive STH infection.
Meanwhile, the identified dominants risk factors which influence STH infection
in highland area were habit of washing hands using soap (AOR=24.99),
fingernails cleanliness (AOR= 13.19) and parents income (AOR=18.83).
Keywords: Risk factors; STH;
highland; lowland
Author: Ni Made Nuryanti, I
Made Subrata
Journal Code: jpkesmasgg180004
