Soil-transmitted Helminthiases and Risk Factors among Thai Hill-Tribe Preschool-Age Children in Remote Area of Thailand
Thessingha C, MEd1,2, Wongsawad C, PhD3, Homchampa P, PhD1, Laothiang P, MD4, Nithikathkul C, PhD1,2
Affiliation : 1 Division of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand 2 Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Research Unit, Division of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 4 Wat Chan Hospital commemorating His Majesty The King 80’s Birthday Anniversary, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Background : Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), which remain one of the most prevalent health problems in the world, are also
present in a remote area of Thailand.
Objective : The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of STH among Thai hill-tribe preschool-age children
(PSAC) in a remote area of Thailand.
Materials and Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December, 2013 in the Omkoi District of
Chiang Mai province. The Thai hill-tribe PSAC were selected by a simple random sampling technique. A stool survey of children was
conducted in nine child development centers using the formalin-ether concentration technique, and caregivers were interviewed
regarding risk factors. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors of STH among the Thai hill-tribe PSAC.
Results : A total of 282 children provided complete data. The study showed that 18.4% Thai hill-tribe PSAC were infected with one
or more species of STH. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH (15.9%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (1.8%) and
hookworm (1.1%), respectively. The significant protective factor of STH among Thai hill-tribe PSAC was ownership of a latrine
(AOR = 0.3, p = 0.04).
Conclusion : The present study showed that STH is a public health problem among Thai hill-tribe PSAC in the study area. Deworming
of preschool children is warranted. Preventive measures should address important factor, and a health educational programme
regarding the construction of latrines is an essential elements to prevent re-infection.
Keywords : Soil-transmitted helminthiases, Ascaris lumbricoides, Preschool-age children, Hill-tribe group, Risk factors
