Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in early school aged children in relation to socio-economic factors in Bharatpur Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of pinworm among the early school aged children inhabiting the Bharatpur Municipality. An active detection was made by collecting 163 samples from early school aged children at different schools during the study period, by microscopic examination of stool and scotch tape method. Besides this, structured questionnaires were administered to assess the socio-economic status and the environmental aspects in relation to the pinworm. Out of 163 samples collected, 9 samples were positive for the pinworm infestation. There is a significant difference among frequencies of positive & negative rates of Enterobiasis. (c2 = 98.53; df = 1; and at 0.05 significant level). Similarly in relation to sex, the positivity rate was 5.20% in males and 5.97% in females. The distributions of pinworm among the children were found to be significant according to their age (c2 = 2.35; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). The prevalence of pinworm showed no significant differences in relation to father’s occupation, size of family members, economic status of the family, the mother’s literacy rate. Occupation wise prevalence was found to be highest in the kids of labours (13.04%) followed by farmer’s (2.43%) and jobholder’s (12.12%). In relation to environmental aspects pinworm infection was common in children who used to bite nail frequently (20%) followed by having worms in their stools (13.33%), itching anus (11.11%) and in those who used to grind teeth (10%). The distribution of pinworm among the children was found to be significant according to the environmental aspect (Attitude & Practice). (c2 = 1.586; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). Statically difference was found between the prevalence rates of pinworm in the habit of trimming nails. (c2 = 9.221; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). The prevalence of pinworm showed no significant differences as per the bathing (c2 = 1.221; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level) and the children using other garments or underwear. (c2 = 0.666; df = 2; and at 0.05 significant level). Based on the present study; biological, physical and socio-economic measures are recommended for the effective control of pinworm in the study area.