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ABSTRACT
PREFERENCE: POSTER
Keywords: Soil-transmitted helminths, association, prevalence, risk factors, hookworm,
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are neglected tropical diseases common in tropical regions with poor sanitation. They are more prevalent in children, with a global trend showing declines in some areas but persistence in others, and data gaps remain.
Objective: This study investigated the prevalence, species distribution, and risk factors of STHs among schoolchildren in Gorogo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 children aged 5-15 years. Stool samples were analyzed using the Formol-Ether Concentration Technique and questionnaires were administered to study the association between the risk factors and STH infections.
Key Findings: The overall prevalence was 3.7%, with hookworm (2.0%) most common, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (1.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%). Other helminths detected included Taenia spp. And Strongyloides stercoralis. Age, gender, household size, residence type, hygiene practices, sanitation access, and deworming showed no significant associations with infections. Nutritional factors were also not significant, except appetite, which was associated with infections.
Implications: The general lack of significant risk factors indicates a successfully reduced transmission environment where classic risks are no longer primary drivers. Detection of other helminths emphasizes the need for broad parasitological surveillance. Sustaining control programs is essential to maintain these gains. The unexpected association with appetite highlights the complex clinical and nutritional interactions of low-intensity helminth infections and warrants further investigations.