A Survey on Enterobiasis along with Potential Risk Factors among Children in Khlong Toei Community, Bangkok and Comparative Study of the Past

Abstract

The purposes of this survey were to determine the rates of enterobiasis among children in Khlong Toei Community, Bangkok, and to compare the prevalence with those recorded in a previous study. It also analyzed the relationship between the rate of enterobiasis and potential risk factors. The survey was con-ducted between February 2012 and January 2013 in 15 of the nursery with children’s Center in Khlong Toey community, Bangkok. Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected by using Scotch tape technique in children ages birth to 5 years. A total of 1,030 children were examined, 527 males and 503 females. The overall egg positive children were 91 (8.83%) that comprised 49 male (9.30%) and 42 female (8.35%). The infection rate was lower than the 2002 survey, of which the rate in children of the same age was 15.86%. The analysis of the relationship between the prevalence and factors include the sex of the child, socioeconomic status of the parents (occupation, income, education), originally native parents, symptoms and practice to prevent parasitic infection of the children revealed that the occupation of the parents and practice to prevent parasitic infection of the children were associated with the infection rate significantly (p<0.05) but the remaining factors not associatiated (p>0.05). The findings showed that the Enterobius vermicularis infection still a pandemic in Khlong Toey community, Bangkok, although the infection rate was lower than in the previous survey. This should promote or encourage children to behave properly in the parasitic prevention behavior. The agency should provide parasitic prevention programs for children, par-ents and caretakers to prevent and reduce the spread of enterobiasis in the community.