Prevalence of Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Infection among Preschool and Lower Primary School Children in Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) investigate the prevalence of pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection among preschool and lower primary school children in Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province and 2) analyze the relationship between the prevalence of E.vermicularis infection and related factors. The children from 9 child development centers and 20 primary schools in Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province were examined for E.vermicularis eggs by Scotch tape technique between 2015 and 2016. A total number of 2,013 children were examined, 1,013 boys and 1,000 girls. The overall prevalence of E.vermicularis infection was 5.17%, boys and girls were 5.23% and 5.10%, respectively. Data were analyzed to assess the relationship between the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection among  children and related factors. Three factors, i.e., nail biting of children, sufficiency of parental expenses and parental education level were significantly associated with the prevalence of E.vermicularis infection (p <0.05). This study showed that primary school children in  Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province remained infected with pinworms. Training should be provided for teachers and parents to encourage children to have good personal hygiene to reduce E. vermicularis epidemic in the study and nearby areas.