Articles

The Relationship Between Worm Infection and Nutritional Status of Elementary School Students in the Working Area of the Nulle Public Health Center

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Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a neglected public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. These infections predominantly affect school-aged children and may contribute to impaired nutritional status. The working area of the Nulle Public Health Center is located in South Central Timor Regency, an area known to have a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, highlighting the need to evaluate factors associated with nutritional problems.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of worm infection, nutritional status, and the association between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 263 elementary school students were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection included a risk-factor questionnaire, microscopic stool examination using 1% Lugol solution and eosin, and anthropometric assessment for nutritional status. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. Fisher’s exact test was applied with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of worm infection was 4.6% (12 out of 263 students). The most common helminth species identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (83.3%), followed by Trichuris trichiura and mixed infections (8.3% each). Nutritional status was predominantly normal (61.6%), followed by undernutrition (21.3%), severe malnutrition (13.3%), and overnutrition (3.8%). Among students with positive worm infection, the majority were classified as severely malnourished. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between worm infection and nutritional status (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Evaluation of a Mass Deworming Program Achieving Zero Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Primary School Children in Flood-Prone Areas

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Background: Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and susceptibility to flooding. Evaluating STH control programs is essential to measure the effectiveness of interventions.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the mass deworming program in reducing STH prevalence among primary school children in flood-prone areas.

Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Umatoos Village, Malaka District, from September to October 2025. The sample consisted of 194 primary school students (from SDK Umatoos, SDI Beilout, and SDK Loomota) selected from a population of 311 students. Stool samples were examined microscopically using the 2% Lugol method to detect STH infections. Risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results: None of the 194 stool samples examined tested positive for STH, resulting in a prevalence of 0%. A total of 85.6% of respondents reported taking deworming medication regularly every six months. Hygienic behavior indicators showed that 91.2% washed their hands before meals, 95.4% washed their hands after defecation, 73.7% trimmed their nails regularly, and 87.1% consistently wore footwear. Environmental sanitation conditions were relatively good, with 93.3% of households having latrines and 93.8% using piped water or well water.

Conclusion: The mass deworming program implemented consistently since 2016, combined with good personal hygiene practices and adequate environmental sanitation, successfully achieved zero STH prevalence among primary school children in flood-prone areas. These findings support a comprehensive approach integrating medical interventions and behavioral changes in controlling neglected tropical diseases.

Challenges of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children in Coastal Areas: A Literature Review on Prevalence and Risk Factors

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Background: Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs), particularly soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), remain a significant burden for children in low-and middle-income countries. Coastal ecosystems that characterized by sandy soil, high water tables, and tidal flooding, present unique ecological determinants that create transmission pathways distinct from inland settings.

Methods: This review synthesizes data from over 50 studies (2000–2025), specifically focusing on coastal settlements, fishermen villages, and tidal flood-prone areas across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Results: Findings indicate that coastal children face elevated risks, with STH prevalence in Indonesian hotspots reaching 30%–70%. While Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides dominate due to humidity, sandy terrains specifically favor the persistence of hookworms and Strongyloides. Crucially, high water tables and tidal inundation render conventional sanitation (pit latrines/septic tanks) ineffective, causing direct fecal contamination of the environment.

Conclusion: Standard terrestrial sanitation is maladapted to coastal hydrological contexts. Mitigation requires the deployment of amphibious infrastructure, such as the Tripikon-S system and elevated latrines, combined with targeted behavioral change communication to disrupt littoral transmission cycles.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Mapping of Helminth Infection Incidence in the Working Area of Nulle Public Health Center, South Central Timor Regency

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Background: Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections remain a public health concern in tropical regions, particularly among school-aged children, while local data and risk mapping in the service area of Nulle Primary Health Center are limited.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of STH infection, identify water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)–related risk factors, and spatially map infection clusters among primary schoolchildren in South Central Timor, Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven primary schools from 10–16 June 2025, involving 263 students. Data on WASH-related behaviors and environmental conditions were collected using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were examined using the direct smear method with 2% eosin and 2% lugol’s iodine. Bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test with α = 0.05. Geographic household coordinates of STH-positive cases were mapped using ArcGIS to identify spatial clusters.

Results: The prevalence of helminth infection was 4.6% (12/263). The most common species identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (83.3%), followed by Trichuris trichiura and mixed infections (each 8.3%). Handwashing habits, nail trimming, consumption of raw food, use of footwear, latrine ownership, and household water source were significantly associated with infection (p<0.05). GIS mapping revealed high-risk areas in Nulle, Tublopo, and Benlutu villages, characterized by high soil humidity, suitable temperature and soil type, as well as poor sanitation conditions.

Conclusion: STH infection in the Nulle area remains a concern, influenced by hygiene behaviors and environmental conditions. Location-based promotive and preventive efforts are essential to reduce infection rates.