Factors related to soil-transmitted helminth prevention behaviors in students of hill tribe community learning centers tha song yang district, tak province

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to 1. study the prevalence of soil-transmitted gastrointestinal helminth diseases; and 2. study knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors in preventing helminth diseases. The sample was 85 students from the Hill Tribe Community Learning Center in Mae La Sub-district, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, who had stool samples examined under a microscope.  Data were collected between December 2024 and March 2025 through stool examination record form and questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, and standard deviation. For relationship analysis, Chi-square test was employed.

The results found that most students were female (62.35%) and aged 13-15 years (47.06%), and had normal weight (81.18%). Gastrointestinal worm eggs were detected in 10.59% of students, found in 21.88% of males and 3.77% of females. Detection rates by age group: 13-15 years (12.50%), followed by 10-12 years (12.12%). Helminth species distribution showed roundworms was most common (7.06%), followed by hookworms (2.35%) and pinworms (1.18%). Roundworms and pinworms were more prevalent in male students than female students (12.50% and 3.13%, respectively). Students' nutritional status was significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminth prevalence (p-value < 0.05), while age, gender, and grade level showed no significant association with helminth prevalence.

Responsible agencies should establish student health leaders to promote health and prevent diseases according to health-promoting school policies, creating knowledge about health promotion and disease prevention in schools, families, and communities.