Medicine
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12
This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item Effectiveness of mebendazole and health education in control of pinworm infection among children living in low income settlements(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Kumarendran, B.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.R.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mebendazole (MBZ) mass treatment and health education in reducing reinfection with pinworm among children living in low income settlements (LIS). METHODS: A factorial cluster-randomized, controlled trial was conducted during January to May 2014, to compare the effectiveness of MBZ 100mg for positive cases versus mass treatment, and routine versus special health education. 1257 children aged 3-7 years, from 48 clusters of LIS in the Colombo Municipal Council area, were selected using cluster sampling. Perianal cellophane adhesive swabs (CAS) were examined for pinworm eggs. About 2-3 weeks after collection of the first sample (CAS1), depending on the intervention arm, eligible participants were given MBZ. Second sample (CAS2) was collected a week after administration of the first dose (MBZ1). Second dose (MBZ2) was given two weeks after MBZ1. Third sample (CAS3) was collected a week after MBZ2, and a fourth sample (CAS4) was collected 12 weeks after MBZ2. RESULTS: Sample collection rate was 94%, 80%, 75% and 73%, for CAS1, CAS2, CAS3 and CAS4 respectively. Overall egg positivity reduced from 42.5% to 10% following MBZ1, and to 6.8% following MBZ2, but increased to 29.3% at 12 weeks following MBZ2. In logistic regression, reinfection rate at 12 weeks after MBZ2 (i.e. those who were CAS3 negative but CAS4 positive) was associated with baseline pinworm egg positivity (OR=1.2) and BMI for age Z score (OR=0.96), but not with intervention arm. CONCLUSION: MBZ is effective in reducing pinworm egg positivity, but re-infection is common.Item Prevalence of pinworm infection among children living in low income settlements in Colombo Municipal Council area(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Kumarendran, B.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.R.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection is associated with overcrowding and poor personal hygiene. We aimed to estimate the pinworm egg positivity (EP) rate among children living in low income settlements (LIS) in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area, as there is no empirical evidence of prevalence. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during January - March 2014 as part of a clinical trial. Study population included children aged 3-7 years living in LIS in the CMC area for at least one year. Cluster sampling was used to select 1257 children, who were tested for pinworm infection using perianal cellophane adhesive swabs (CAS). Each child’s principal caretaker was educated to take the swabs early morning, immediately after awakening, on two consecutive days. CASs were examined by experienced technicians. EP was defined as EP on at least one of the two CAS. RESULTS: Sample collection rate was 94.3% (n=1185). Overall EP was 42.5 % (95% CI 39.7 - 45.4), but only 20.8% showed EP on both days. In logistic regression analysis, EP was associated with socioeconomic score (OR = 0.98), age of the child [from 3 years to 7 years] (OR= 1.02), BMI for age Z score (OR= 0.97) and increasing number of children aged 3 to 7 years in a household (OR= 1.05). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of 3-7 year old children living in LIS in the CMC area have pinworm infections. Prevention and control of this infection in LIS in the CMC area should be strengthened.