A Cross-Sectional Survey of Intestinal Helminthiases in Rural Communities of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Soraya J. Kaewpitoon MD*,**, Ryan A. Loyd MD*,***, Natthawut Kaewpitoon PhD**,****
Affiliation : * School of Family and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand ** Parasitic Disease Research Unit, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand *** Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA **** Faculty of Public Health, Vongchawalitkul University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Background : The public-health problems caused by intestinal helminthic infections have been neglected in rural areas where
there remains a lack of hygiene and an inadequate supply of sanitary water.
Objective : This research was to study the infection rate of intestinal helminthiases and socioeconomic data within two
communities in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Material and Method: Intestinal helminthiases were examined using Kato’s Thick Smear technique and socio-demographic
data was collected using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires.
Results : 209 stool samples were collected from 83 male and 126 female participants. Stool examinations showed that 6.22%
(13/209) of study participants were infected with intestinal helminths, predominantly hookworm (4.31%, 9/209) followed by
Strongyloides stercolaris (1.44%, 2/209), and Taenia sp. (0.48%, 1/209). Males were slightly more likely to be infected than
females. Intestinal helminthic infection was more commonly found in the 61-70 year age group and positively associated with
occupation of agriculture. The Tanod sub-district had an intestinal helminthiases rate of 10.59%, higher than in the Wang Sai
sub-district. In conclusion, this study shows that intestinal helminthic infections are common parasitic infections among
patients presenting for a small scale survey of a rural Thai community.
Conclusion : This information may provide invaluable statistics needed for planning meaningful public control programs
that aim at reducing the prevalence and morbidity of parasitic infections. Large scale surveys and health education are
urgently required.
Keywords : Intestinal helminthiases, Rural community, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
