Soil Transmitted Helminthes Prevalence among Pre-School Age Children in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya

The prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infection in pre-school age children was assessed in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya using Kato Katz as the standard parasitological survey diagnostic technique. Children between 6 months and 5 years were examined for STH infections. Out of 179 children examined, 154 (86%) were positive for the STH studied with Trichuris trichura accounting for the highest infection with 91 (50.84%), Ascaris, lumbricoides 45 (25.14%), and hookworm 18 (10.06%). Multiparasitism was evident with an overall 48 (28%) infection with a combination of two or three of the STH species studied. The high STH prevalence reported in this study was a result of unhygiene living environment with conditions that facilitate STH infections and transmission. T. Trichura had the highest prevalence because this is an urban STH species as compared to A. lumbricoides and hookworm. STH in pre-school age children is a virgin field in helminthes control. Mass deworming programs and parental education are required for effective STH control in this age group population that other is most vulnerable to helminthes infection. Keywords: soil transmitted helminthes, pre-school age children, prevalence, kato kat

Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Sth Infection amongst Psac in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya

Socio-economic factors have been associated with high prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infection in endemic areas. STH studies have been extensively conducted among school age children but non-school going children mostly those below five years and who actively play with soil are not common. In this study, 120 households in Elburgon Municipality were accessed using a structured question to determine the impact of these socio-economic factors on STH infection among pre-school age children. Kato Katz technique was used to determine the evidence of helminthes infection in 179 children who provided stool sample. The result from this study revealed that there was a general high prevalence 154 (86%) of STH infection with any of Trichuris trichura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm or a combination of any two. The overall mother’s and father’s educational level and father’s occupation showed significant difference (p<0.05) in PSAC STH infection. Mother’s occupation and head of family revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) in this children age group infection. In Elburgon Municipality, households are crowded in living conditions that can be termed as semi urban slums and children often play together in common play grounds. Regardless of both parent’s educational level and occupation STH infection in young children remained high because of common hygienically compromised environments. This study suggest that it might be difficult to improve the socio-economic status of populations living in semi-urban slum like households but frequent health education programs for both parents about these intestinal worms can be effective tool that will help in control STH infections in PSAC. Keyword: Socio-economic, Soil Transmitted Helminthes, Pre-School Age, Kato Kat