Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections among Slum Dwelling Women in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this trial was to establish the prevalence and risk factors relating to soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among slum dwelling women in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: A total of 100 stool samples were collected from Ganaktuli (Hazaribagh) slum of Dhaka city from March to September 2019. Women aged between 21 to 40 years old were part of this study, and only those who had at least one primary school going child were included. Methodology: The interviewed women were asked to provide their stool samples in the containers supplied by the volunteers, and to fill up a questionnaire regarding their socio-demographic and behavioral practices. Formal Ether Concentration technique was applied to process the stool samples, and detection of helminth eggs was done by microscopy. Results: Of the hundred women, 87 (87%) were infected with at least one STH. Ascaris lumbricoides (41.38%) showed the highest prevalence followed by Trichuris trichiura (36.78%). Working as day laborers, irregular nail clipping, irregular use of soap after defecation, walking barefoot, using open and common toilet, irregular consumption of antihelminthic drugs were noticed as significant risk factors. Conclusion: Soil transmitted helminth infection is still a problem in Bangladesh. Proper drug administration and increase of hygiene practices among the slum dwellers are essential to lessen the high prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infections.