Article type
Abstract
Background: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 report revealed alarming statistics regarding soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), with 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to STH-related issues, while a staggering 5.9 million individuals remain susceptible to STH infections. Regions notably affected by high STH prevalence encompass Sub-Saharan Africa, China, South America, and Asia. Despite existing fragmented studies on STH, a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence, geographic distribution across various species, and regional discrepancies remains limited.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to consolidate data on the prevalence, geographic variability, and determinants of STH infections among school-aged children (5-18 years old).
Methods: A thorough search across databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cinhal, and Psychinfo was conducted to identify studies published between 1999 and 2022, focusing on STH infection rates among school-aged children. Given the anticipated heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed based on gender and STH species to account for geographical variations.
Results: Among the 49,630 children examined, 19,725 were found to be infected with STH, resulting in an overall pooled prevalence of 37.16% (95% CI: 29.74 -44.89). The highest prevalence was observed in the Western Pacific region at 50.41% (95% CI: 33.74 -67.04), followed by Europe at 39.74% (95% CI: 20.40 -61.0) and Africa at 37.10% (95% CI: 26.84 -47.95). Ascaris lumbricoides emerged as the most prevalent helminth, with a prevalence of 24.07% (95% CI: 17.07 -31.83).
Conclusion: The Western Pacific region is designated as a High-risk Zone (HRZ), while South East Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean regions are classified as moderate-risk zones (MRZs). Notably, there was a 12% reduction in the pooled prevalence of STH infection between 1999 and 2012. Ascaris lumbricoides predominated among school-aged children. Strategies such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Albendazole tablets and improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices have shown efficacy in STH control and prevention. Ensuring their effective implementation and accessibility is imperative in combating this issue.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to consolidate data on the prevalence, geographic variability, and determinants of STH infections among school-aged children (5-18 years old).
Methods: A thorough search across databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cinhal, and Psychinfo was conducted to identify studies published between 1999 and 2022, focusing on STH infection rates among school-aged children. Given the anticipated heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed based on gender and STH species to account for geographical variations.
Results: Among the 49,630 children examined, 19,725 were found to be infected with STH, resulting in an overall pooled prevalence of 37.16% (95% CI: 29.74 -44.89). The highest prevalence was observed in the Western Pacific region at 50.41% (95% CI: 33.74 -67.04), followed by Europe at 39.74% (95% CI: 20.40 -61.0) and Africa at 37.10% (95% CI: 26.84 -47.95). Ascaris lumbricoides emerged as the most prevalent helminth, with a prevalence of 24.07% (95% CI: 17.07 -31.83).
Conclusion: The Western Pacific region is designated as a High-risk Zone (HRZ), while South East Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean regions are classified as moderate-risk zones (MRZs). Notably, there was a 12% reduction in the pooled prevalence of STH infection between 1999 and 2012. Ascaris lumbricoides predominated among school-aged children. Strategies such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Albendazole tablets and improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices have shown efficacy in STH control and prevention. Ensuring their effective implementation and accessibility is imperative in combating this issue.