The helminth prevelence in Southern region – Lam Dong province and effectiveness of community – based helminth prevention methods

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths are one of the most common infectious diseases on worldwide and affecting to poor people and underdeveloped communities. Helminth diseases have so far been classified as "Neglected tropical diseases (NTD)", without adequate investment, but only a few domestic and foreign organizations which supported helminth prevention in regions that was high prevalence, but not regular. Therefore, the application of some community-based helminths prevention in the Southern region - Lam Dong province which is necessary.

Objectives: Determining the prevalence of helminth infections in the Southern region - Lam Dong province and evaluating the effectiveness of community-based helminth prevention methods.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional and community intervention.

Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 24.46% (171/699), flukes 0.00% (0/699), tapeworms 0.00% (0/699). After intervention, In 3 communes, where applied model of community-based helminth deworming by Mebendazole 500mg after 6 months and 12 months, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth was 1.71% (12/700) and 2.00% (14/700). In 3 communes, where applied model of community communication and environmental sanitation after 6 months and 12 months, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes was 5.29% (37/700) and 4.86% (34/700).

Conclusions: Determined the prevalence of helminths and flukes in the study sites of the Southern region - Lam Dong province and effected community-based helminths prevention methods.

Keywords: Helminth deworming, Neglected tropical diseases, Community communication, southern of Vietnam.

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