Abstract:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among
school-age children (ages 6–12 years) and rural women (ages 15–49 years) from the Bengali
and Santal communities in Rangpur, Bangladesh. A total of 352 women responded to the
questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to STH infections. Socio
demographic data reveals differences in religion, marital status, income, education, profession,
and toilet facilities between the Bengali and Santal populations. Income, education, occupation,
and the type of toilet user with STH infections correlate significantly with KAP (p < 0.05). Out
of the 234 stool samples that were collected and examined, 81.9% and 100% of the samples
from women (N = 188) and children (N = 46), respectively, were determined to be infected. A.
lumbricoides was the most common STH (78.72% and 78.26%), whereas T. trichiura was the
least prevalent parasite (3.19% and 4.3%) in both groups respectively. Women with low or no
knowledge of the importance of eating well-cooked food, maintaining good hygiene, and
receiving basic health education were shown to be substantially more likely to have high rates
of STHs (p < 0.05). In this study, two categories — nail trimming and use of anthelmintic drugs
by women from both populations were found to be positively associated with STH infections
(p < 0.05). There was no discernible correlation (p > 0.05) between the prevalence of STHs
and physical conditions such as diabetes, body mass index (BMI), COVID-19, and upset
stomach. Interventions like deploying health extension workers, upgrading hygienic facilities,
and promoting improved personal hygiene should be considered throughout the community.
The results indicate the need for health education and improvement in community
socioeconomic status.
