Prevalence of Helminth Infections among Elementary School Children in Saba Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok

Abstract

Background: A parasitic worm infection occurs when a person becomes infected by specific types of worms known as soil-transmitted helminths. These worms inhabit the intestines, and transmission takes place through soil contaminated with worm eggs. Primary school-aged children are particularly vulnerable to infection because they frequently play outdoors and have not yet adopted clean and healthy living habits. Such infections can lead to growth impairment, nutritional decline, anemia, and reduced learning ability. Objective: To determine the prevalence of helminth infections among elementary school children in Saba Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok. Research Methods: This study employed an observational analytic approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 30 stool specimens collected from students in grades 1 through 6, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Testing was conducted using the Kato-Katz method to identify helminth egg types. Research Results: The study revealed that out of the 30 samples analyzed, 5 were infected with worms, while the remaining 25 were uninfected. The worm eggs identified were of the species Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. A total of 11 Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found, corresponding to an infection level of 264 EPG, along with 3 Trichuris trichiura eggs, corresponding to an infection level of 72 EPG. The observed infection intensity fell into the category of mild infection. The similarity of results between the two methods indicates 100% agreement. Conclusion: A total of 16.7% of elementary school children in Saba Village, Janapria District, were found to have helminth infections. The types of worms identified were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura.