Prevalence of pinworm infection among children living in low income settlements in Colombo Municipal Council area

Abstract

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.