Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in Secondary School Students in Selected Sites in Two Provinces in the Philippines: Policy Implications

This study determined the prevalence and intensity of STH in a sample of 633 students (14–15 years old) in selected secondary schools in two Philippine provinces. Stool specimens were processed following the Kato-Katz technique and examined for the presence of helminth ova. Overall cumulative prevalence of STH was 31.3%, while prevalence of moderate–heavy-intensity infections was 7.7%, well beyond the WHO target of ≤1% for reducing morbidity in school-age children. Recommendations were made to update the Philippine helminth control program and to re-examine the WHO strategic plan so that helminth prevention and control strategies may also be emphasized for secondary school students especially in high-prevalence areas.

Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics - August 1, 2014 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Belizario, V., Chua, P. L., Liwanag, H. J., Naig, J. R., Erfe, J. M. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research