Prevalence and Severity of Helminth Infections Using the Modified Kato-Katz Thick Smear Method in School Children of Khok Pho District, Pattani Province
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Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections among schoolchildren aged ≥5 years using the Modified Kato-Katz technique, and (2) assess the satisfaction of health personnel with the screening implementation. From April to August 2023, stool samples were collected from 2,050 students, and 45 health personnel were surveyed using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon one-sample test to compare the satisfaction level with the reference criterion. The results showed that the prevalence of helminth infections was 3.76% (95%CI 2.94–4.57%), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common species (84.4%), and all infections were classified as low intensity. The mean satisfaction score was 3.86±0.90, which was significantly higher than the “good” level (3.50) (p < 0.05) Conclusion Both the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections among schoolchildren were low, while health personnel demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the screening implementation. Continuous school-based surveillance is recommended to maintain effective monitoring.
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