A Cross-Sectional Survey of Intestinal Helminthiases in Rural Communities of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

BACKGROUND

The public-health problems caused by intestinal helminthic infections have been neglected in rural areas where there remains a lack of hygiene and an inadequate supply ofsanitary water

OBJECTIVE

This research was to study the infection rate of intestinal helminthiases and socioeconomic data within two communities in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Intestinal helminthiases were examined using Kato's Thick Smear technique and socio-demographic data was collected using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires.

RESULTS

209 stool samples were collected from 83 male and 126 female participants. Stool examinations showed that 6.22% (13/209) of study participants were infected with intestinal helminths, predominantly hookworm (4.31%, 9/209) followed by Strongyloides stercolaris (1.44%, 2/209), and Taenia sp. (0.48%, 1/209). Males were slightly more likely to be infected than females. Intestinal helminthic infection was more commonlyfound in the 61-70 year age group andpositively associated with occupation ofagriculture. The Tanod sub-district had an intestinal helminthiases rate of 10.59%, higher than in the Wang Sai sub-district. In conclusion, this study shows that intestinal helminthic infections are common parasitic infections among patients presenting for a small scale survey of a rural Thai community.

CONCLUSION

This information may provide invaluable statistics needed for planning meaningful public control programs that aim at reducing the prevalence and morbidity of parasitic infections. Large scale surveys and health education are urgently required.