Intestinal worm control for primary school children in Thai Nguyen 2004

ABSTRACT

A model of intestinal helminth control program for primary school children was conducted during two years in Thai Nguyen province, where a high prevalence of intestinal worm had been found before the intervention. Results of the base line surveys showed a cumulative infection rate of intestinal worm of 86.23%, of which Ascaris 83.6%, Trichuris 20.6%, and hookworm 3.9%. The cure rate was 97% (+/-2.52%) after intervention, but the reinfection rate was 53.11 % (+/-1.43%) by 4 months after the first treatment, and 35.88% (+/-1.85%) after the second treatment. Thus, periodical mass treatment every 6 months is needed for intestinal worm infection control. KAP surveys were performed to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of the children and their parents before and after intervention. The knowledge on the ways of transmission of worm infection and the role of environment among children and their parents was found to have been significantly improved immediately after the campaign of health education (P<0.05). Their attitude on the prevention of infection relating to the ways of infection, environment contamination and personal hygiene was enhanced significantly (P<0.05). Accordingly, their practice in term of intestinal worm infection control was also significantly enhanced (P<0.05), especially after the second round of health education and the school supervision. All families agreed to contribute budget to annual deworming program. The model was much supported by children, their parents and teachers for its high cost-effectiveness, easy application and safety, and therefore, it should be expanded to other places.