Assessment of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Personal Hygiene Practice Among School Children in A Primary School in A Village in Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are still among developing countries' most prevalent parasitic infections. IPI is closely linked to nutrition, personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, income, climate, and education. Aims/Objectives: To assess the IPI and personal hygiene status among school children in the flood-prone area in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a government primary school in South Jakarta, Indonesia, involving 157 students. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess the personal hygiene behavior of the students. A physical examination of the nail fingers was conducted as well. Feces samples were collected from each student and examined using direct smear techniques to identify intestinal parasite infection. Results: The prevalence of IPI was 38.2% in single and mixed infections. Intestinal parasites recorded in this study were Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm eggs, and nonpathogen protozoa Entamoeba coli. There is no significant difference between the prevalence of IPI with footwear usage, nail-cutting once a week (p=0.718), handwashing before the meal (p=0.688), handwashing after defecations (p=0.618); however, there is a significant difference between nail cleanliness and IPI (p=0.003). Conclusions: The prevalence of IPI in these school children was high and required interventions like health education and action on nail and hand hygiene behavior from school personnel or teachers.