Prevalence of STH Infection among School Going Children in Delhi: Study of Contributing Factors in Varied Demographic Settings

Soil transmitted helminth infestation is a global health concern affecting two billion population worldwide. Mainly three species viz. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm inflict considerable morbidity and mortality amongst infected persons. Present study was conducted among school children of three zones of Delhi (divided according to Municipal Corporation of Delhi) after having prior consent from respective authority. Sample size was estimated according to WHO guidelines as 200-250 children per zone. Children were informed about the purpose of study. Information regarding their social and personal hygiene practices was recorded with the help of semi structured questionnaire and they were provided with a container to bring stool sample on the following day. Samples collected were subjected to examination for helminthic eggs using Kato-Katz technique. Statistical analysis was done by using Chi-square test. Total 707 samples were collected in which 195 (27.5%) were positive. Ascaris lumbricoides infection was prevalent in 189 (96.9%) samples. 185 (95%) samples had monotypic infection. Potential risk factors like improper hand washing before meal and after defecation were significantly associated with risk of STH infection. Females were having more risk of infection. There is need of social awareness about good hygienic practices. Proper hand washing qualifies as the most important preventive measure.