Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/20647
Title: Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in remote villages in East Kwaio, Solomon Islands
Contributor(s): Harrington, Humpress (author); Bradbury, Richard (author); Esau, Dorothy (author); Flores, Angelica (author); Ribeyro, Elmer (author); Liku, Daisy (author); Muse, Alwin (author); Asugeni, Lyndel (author); Talana, Jeptha (author); Shield, Jennifer (author); MacLaren, David (author); Massey, Peter D  (author); Taeka, James (author); Muller, Reinhold (author); Speare, Rick (author); Asugeni, James (author); Asugeni, Vunivesi (author); Igeni, Tony (author); Gwala, John (author); Newton, Lawrence (author); Fa'anuabae, Chillion Evan (author); Kilivisi, Fawcett Laurence (author)
Publication Date: 2015
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.1.016Open Access Link
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/20647
Abstract: Objective: Although soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic in Solomon Islands, there are few recent reports on their prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STH in residents of remote communities in Solomon Islands. Methods: A cross-sectional convenience-sampled survey of residents of four adjacent villages in Malaita, Solomon Islands was performed in Atoifi and Na'au in April 2011 and in Abitona and Sifilo in April 2012. All residents older than one year were invited to participate, which involved providing a single sample of faeces examined using a modified Kato-Katz technique and completing a questionnaire that asked demographic and STH-related behaviour questions. Results: The overall participation rate was 52.8%, with 402 participants comprising 49.8% males. Hookworm was the predominant STH with only a single case of trichuriasis found in Atoifi. The total prevalence of hookworm was 22.6% (95% confidence interval: 18.6-27.1); the prevalence of hookworm in Abitona, Na'au and Sifilo was 20.0%, 29.9% and 27.4%, respectively, whereas in Atoifi it was 2.3% (P < 0.001). Intensity was low in all villages. Although health behaviours differed significantly between Atoifi and the other three villages, the type of toilet used was the only significant association with hookworm. Discussion: Residents of Atoifi have a relative freedom from STH compared to the other three villages. Rather than a region-wide morbidity control approach, a 'one village at a time' approach aiming to eliminate STH and dealing with each village as a separate autonomous unit empowered to manage its own challenges may be a preferred option.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal, 6(3), p. 51-58
Publisher: World Health Organization
Place of Publication: Philippines
ISSN: 2094-7313
2094-7321
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 111715 Pacific Peoples Health
111708 Health and Community Services
111712 Health Promotion
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 451601 Pacific Peoples and disability
420305 Health and community services
420603 Health promotion
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 920109 Infectious Diseases
920599 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) not elsewhere classified
920506 Rural Health
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200508 Rural and remote area health
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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