The prevalence and risk factors of soil transmitted helminths in preschool children from Marani Sub-county, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Major obstacles to the survival of children below the age of five in developing world include malnutrition, inaccessibility to safe water and infections due to parasitic worms such as soil transmitted helminths. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in Marani subcounty, Kisii County, to determine the prevalence rate and potential risk factors of soil transmitted helminths (STH) amongst preschool age children. Stool samples were collected from 106 preschool age children. Data regarding the socio demographic and risk factors influencing the prevalence rates was collected using structured questionnaires. The stool specimens were analysed using direct wet mount and MiniParasep technique. Chi square statistics was used for analysis using statistical software SPSS version 16. The overall prevalence rate of STH was 35.8% with single prevalence of 30.2% and co-infection of 5.6%. Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the prevalence rate of 19.8% followed by hookworms 7.5% and the least prevalence rate was noted with Trichuris trichiura 2.8%. The male gender showed a higher prevalence rate 43.6% than the female gender 27.5 (χ2 = 3.607, p = 0.607). This study reaffirms that there still exists a high prevalence of STH in rural areas especially Ascaris lumbricoides which holds a high frequency across all gender in preschool children. Apart from provision of clean and safe water for drinking, education to parents is a fundamental key to control of STH especially to the mothers who play a vital role in the day to day growth of a child.