Soil-transmitted helminth infection and its associated factors among children aged 24 to 59 months in Mu Cang Chai and Tram Tau districts, Yen Bai Province

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection among children aged 24 to 59 months in Tram Tau and Mu Cang Chai districts, Yen Bai Province. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study involved 247 children aged 24-59 months and their mothers, residing in four communes of Tram Tau and Mu Cang Chai districts. Main findings: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections was 47.4%, half of those infected were with multi-infections. Factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection included having used anthelminthics, household socio-economic status, household water and sanitation conditions and child caring behaviors of mothers. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of strengthening communication for helminths prevention and control, improving monitoring of althelmintics use for children and conducting inventory of and improving water and sanitation facilities in Yen Bai province