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Risk factors for Enterobius vermicularis infection in children in Gaozhou, Guangdong, China.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Enterobius vermicularis infection is a prevalent intestinal parasitic disease in children. In this study, we explored the epidemiological status and risk factors for E. vermicularis infection in children in southern China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Gaozhou city, Guangdong province, China, in December 2011. Children aged 2-12 years from five schools participated in the study. The adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method was applied to detect E. vermicularis infection, while a questionnaire was sent to each child's guardian(s) to collect demographic and socioeconomic data, as well as hygiene behaviors, pertaining to each child. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to capture the potential risk factors. RESULTS: Out of the 802 children surveyed, 440 were infected with E. vermicularis, with an average prevalence of 54.86 %, and a range from 45.96 to 68.13 %. The age variable was found to be statistically significant, whereas the sex variable was not. It was found that a mother's education level (low) and not washing hands before dinner were major risk factors in all children (802). After stratification by age, a father's education level (primary or below) and biting pencils (or toys) were significant risk factors in the younger children (508), while not washing hands before dinner and playing on the ground were important risk factors in the older children (294). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection in children in Gaozhou and reveals underlying risk factors. Most importantly, it reveals that risk factors differ among the different age groups, which indicates that different control measures targeted at particular age groups should be implemented.

SUBMITTER: Li HM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4451960 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundEnterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common human parasitic helminths, and children are the most susceptible group. Some behavioral and environmental factors may facilitate pinworm infection. In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the status of pinworm infections among children remains unknown.MethodsIn Majuro City, there are 14 kindergartens with a total of 635 preschool children (PSC) whose age range of 5~6?years. The present investigation attempted to determine the pinworm prevalence and associated risk factors as well as investigate whether eggs contaminated the clothes of PSC or the ground and tables in classrooms of 14 kindergartens. Informed consent form and a self-administered questionnaire were given to parents prior to pinworm screening. Perianal specimens were collected by an adhesive scotch tape method, and clothing of belly and hip sites and the ground and tables of the classrooms were inspected using a cellophane tape method to detect any eggs contamination.ResultsIn total, 392 PSC (5.28?±?0.56?yrs. old) participated in this project. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 22.4% (88/392). Boys (24.5%) had higher prevalence than girls (20.31%) (p?=?0.32). PSC aged >?5?years (32.77%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than those aged ?5?years (17.95%) (p?=?0.01). A univariate analysis indicated that PSC who lived in urban areas (22.95%) had a higher prevalence than those who lived in rural areas (20.69%) (p?=?0.69). The employment status of the parents showed no association with the pinworm infection rate (p?>?0.05). A logistic regression analysis indicated that "having an older sister" produced a higher risk of acquiring pinworm infection for PSC compared to those who did not have an older sister (OR?=?2.02; 95%CI?=?1.05~3.88; p?=?0.04). No significant association between various other risk factors and pinworm infection was found (p?>?0.05). Also, no eggs contamination was found on the clothes of the belly and hip sites or on the ground and tables in the 14 kindergartens.ConclusionsMass screening and treatment of infected PSC are important measures in pinworm control in the RMI.

Project description:BackgroundEnterobius vermicularis infection is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among schoolchildren in tropical and subtropical countries. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections varies in each region of Thailand; however, its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of the southern region. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of E. vermicularis infections and to identify the risk factors for infection among schoolchildren who live in rural communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand.ResultsThe overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.79% (23 of 397). According to a multivariate analysis, the following were found to be risk factors associated with E. vermicularis infections (P < 0.05): those of the male sex (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI 1.22-13.29), those in the 3-6 year age group (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.51-15.59), those who have a mother with a primary school education level (AOR = 11.22, 95% CI 1.75-71.77), those who have older sibling(s) (AOR = 6.25, 95% CI 1.83-21.26), those who have younger sibling(s) (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI 2.00-19.44), those who sometimes wash their hands after using the toilet (AOR = 5.25, 95% CI 1.24-22.21), those who keep their fingernails long (AOR = 29.97, 95% CI 6.16-145.85), and those who suck their fingers (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.21-10.66).ConclusionsThis was the first report that revealed the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children who live in rural areas of Southern Thailand through detection using the Scotch tape technique. This study demonstrated that the high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections in schoolchildren with siblings was a significant independent predictor and that the transmission of this infection may occur in the family through their school-age siblings. In addition, children who have poor personal hygiene have a high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections. Therefore, maintaining good handwashing habits, keeping one's fingernails short, and avoiding sucking one's fingers should be important preventive measures against infection. Moreover, health literacy or health education, especially for parents or the principal caretakers of children, should be implemented to reduce E. vermicularis infections.

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Risk factors for Enterobius vermicularis infection in children in Gaozhou, Guangdong, China.

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