Prevalence of enterobiasis among primary school children in Ragama MOH region

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although frequently diagnosed clinically, there is only one previously reported survey of Enterobius vermicularis infection among Sri Lankan children, conducted in the 1980s. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of enterobiasis among Year One school children in Ragama MOH area and investigate association between infection and risk factors. METHOD: A cross sectional descriptive study was performed among Year One children in seven randomly selected schools. Infection was diagnosed using adhesive cellophane peri-anal swabs obtained on two consecutive days. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire completed by the mother, identified risk factors associated with enterobiasis. Initial univariate analysis was followed by multivariate analysis with logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 322 children, 276 (male: female ratio 1.1:1, mean age 6 years) returned the swabs and questionnaires (compliance 85.7%). Prevalence of infection by double and single swab examination was 37.5% and 20.1% respectively. Prevalence was significantly lower among children of more educated mothers (34.2%), fathers with permanent employment (28.9%) and those dewormed in the last 30 days (22%) compared to children of less educated mothers (46.5%), fathers with casual (46.9%) or no employment (36.4%) and those not dewormed recently (41.6%)(P<0.05). Infected children belonged to households with significantly more members, siblings and persons sleeping with index child (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that more children in a household and recent deworrning were the only significant determinants of enterobiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Over one-third of primary school children in the Ragama MOH area have enterobiasis. The risk of infection is higher in families with more children and is reduced by regular deworrning.