Pinworm infections in suburban government schools in  Lak Hok Subdistrict, Muang Patumthani, Thailand

Sirima Kitvatanachai; Pochong Rhongbutsri

Authors

Sirima Kitvatanachai Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University, Patumthani, 12000, Thailand
Pochong Rhongbutsri Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Patumthani, 12120, Thailand

Keywords:

pinworm, suburban area, government school, Thailand

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to provide public-health services from the Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University, and survey Enterobius vermicularis infections in 3 government schools (N, R, and S school) during the period May-June 2011. Using the Scotch-tape technique, from a population of 977 individuals, 616 (63%) samples were screened and registered as participants. The average rate of infection was 10.4%. S school showed the highest prevalence (14.3%), followed by N school (13.7%); the lowest rate was found in R school (8.0%), but there was no statistically significant difference between the schools (p>0.05). The infection rate was not significantly different between males (10.5%) and females (8.5%) (p>0.05). The highest prevalence was among students in Prathom 2 or aged about 7 years (12.9 %) with the lowest in Prathom 3, or aged about 8 years (6.9%), but the difference between the age groups was not statistically significant (p>0.5). Students who sometimes or always sucked their thumbs had a higher rate of pinworm infection than those who did not; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.5). The highest rate was also found among parents who were agriculturists (13.5%), followed by workers (11.2 %.). No infection was found among parents who worked in government service or government enterprises, or among parents with salaries > 13,000 Baht/month. The average rate of infection from a single examination was still > 10% in government schools in suburban areas. Health education regarding pinworm infection should be implemented in these schools.

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