Factors Associated with Poor Knowledge and Poor-to-Moderate Attitude of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Prevention and Control Among Hill tribe Schoolchildren in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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Abstract
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the health threats, particularly among the vulnerable population. Hill tribe people who live in northern Thailand are living in poor economic and education and are vulnerable to intestinal parasitic infection. The study aimed to determine the factors associated with poor knowledge and poor-to-moderate attitudes toward intestinal parasite infection prevention and control among the hill tribe school children.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to collect data among school children in grades 4-6 in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. A simple random was used to select the participants from the lists in 12 schools. A constructed and validated questionnaire and a 5-gram stool were used as the research tools. A formalin ether concentration technique was used for stool examination. Logistic regression was used for the analysis at the significant level a=0.05.
Results: A total of 365 students were recruited; 51.8% were female, 60% were aged between 11-12 years. In the multivariable analysis, males had 1.77 times (95%CI=1.03-2.56); students aged 11-12 years and age ≥13 years had 5.14 times (95%CI=1.99-13.23) and 9.48 times (95%CI=2.90-30.98), students in grade five had 8.93 times (95%CI=1.00-5.74); students with family members with ≥7 had 2.05 times (95%CI=1.18-3.57) having poor knowledge of intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control than students who had different characteristics. In the multivariable analysis, males had 7.67 times (95%CI=3.45-17.03); students who lived with parents had 2.40 times (95%CI=1.00-5.74); and Lahu and Lisu students had 3.32 times (95%CI= 1.53-7.21) and 9.63 times (95%CI= 2.65-34.97), respectively, having poor to moderate attitudes toward intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control than those students who had different characteristics.
Conclusion: The hill tribe students have poor knowledge and attitudes toward intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control. Public health interventions to improve their knowledge and attitudes focusing on upper grades and older students should be urgently considered.
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