Factors Causing the Incidence of Worms

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 45 views

Analysis of Factors Causing Incidence of Increases in Elementary School Children in the Working Area of the Batang Berh Health Center, Sidikalang District in 2022

Introduction

Helminthiasis, an infectious disease caused by parasitic worms, is a significant health problem in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the prevalence of worms in North Sumatra reached 60.2% in 2018. A study conducted by the Medan Class I Environmental Health Technical Agency (BTKL) in Dairi Regency in 2021 showed that the prevalence of worms in elementary school children in the area reached 9.8%. This study aims to identify the factors that cause the incidence of worms in elementary school children in the working area of the Batang Berh Health Center, Sidikalang District, Dairi Regency.

Background

Helminthiasis is a disease that can cause various health problems, ranging from disorders of nutritional absorption, decreased blood volume, to decreased intelligence and productivity. The disease is caused by parasitic worms that can enter the body through various means, including contaminated soil, water, and food. In Indonesia, worms are still a significant health problem that needs to be watched out for.

Methodology

This study was conducted in three elementary schools in the working area of the Batang Berh Health Center, Sidikalang District, Dairi Regency, namely SD Bintang, SD Laepinang, and Parsaoran Elementary School. The study used the cross-sectional method by collecting data through direct interviews. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the habits of wearing footwear, nail cleanliness, contact with soil, hand washing habits, knowledge of worms, and the habit of taking worm medicine with the incidence of worms.

Factors Causing the Incidence of Worms

Several factors were identified as causing the incidence of worms in elementary school children in the working area of the Batang Berh Health Center. These factors include:

*** The Habit of Wearing Footwear ***

Children who are not accustomed to wearing footwear when playing or outdoors have a higher risk of being worried. This is because worm eggs can stick to the soil and enter the body through the feet. Wearing footwear can prevent worm eggs from entering the body and reduce the risk of worm infections.

*** Nail Cleanliness ***

Dirty nails become an ideal place for worm eggs to stick and multiply. Worm eggs can then enter the body through the mouth when children scratch their bodies. Keeping nails clean is essential to prevent worm infections.

*** Contact Habits with the Earth ***

Direct contact with soil, especially soil contaminated by human or animal waste, increases the risk of worm infections. Children who like to play on the ground or often move outdoors barefoot are vulnerable to worms. Avoiding direct contact with soil can reduce the risk of worm infections.

*** Hand Washing Habits ***

Washing hands with soap after playing or moved outdoors is very important to prevent worm transmission. Worm eggs attached to the hand can enter the body through the mouth when children eat or drink. Hand washing is a simple and effective way to prevent worm infections.

*** Knowledge of Worms ***

Children who have good knowledge about worms and prevention methods are more avoiding the risk of infection. This is because they better understand the importance of maintaining cleanliness and applying clean and healthy life behavior. Education and awareness about worms can help prevent worm infections.

*** The Habit of Taking Worm Medicine ***

Taking worm medicine regularly can help prevent and overcome worm infections. Worm medicine works by killing adult worms and worm eggs in the body. Regular use of worm medicine can reduce the risk of worm infections.

Conclusion

This study concluded that several factors of children's habits and knowledge have an important role in the occurrence of worms. The study highlights the importance of education and awareness about worms, as well as the need for good sanitation and hygiene practices in schools.

Recommendations

To prevent worms in elementary school children in the working area of the Batang Berh Health Center, the following recommendations are made:

Increase education and campaigns about the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, especially for children.
Increase accessibility and availability of worm medicine regularly.
Encourages good sanitation and hygiene programs in schools.
Socializing the importance of wearing footwear when playing or outdoors.
Provide education to parents about how to care for children to avoid worms.

By taking the right prevention steps, it is hoped that the incidence of worms in elementary school children in the working area of the Batang Berhon Health Center can be reduced and the health of children is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Incidence of Worms in Elementary School Children in the Working Area of the Batang Berh Health Center

Q: What is the main cause of worm infections in elementary school children?

A: The main cause of worm infections in elementary school children is the lack of proper hygiene and sanitation practices, such as not wearing footwear when playing or outdoors, not washing hands regularly, and not keeping nails clean.

Q: How can worm infections be prevented?

A: Worm infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits, such as wearing footwear when playing or outdoors, washing hands regularly with soap and water, keeping nails clean, and avoiding direct contact with soil.

Q: What is the role of education in preventing worm infections?

A: Education plays a crucial role in preventing worm infections. Children who have good knowledge about worms and prevention methods are more likely to avoid the risk of infection. Education and awareness about worms can help prevent worm infections.

Q: What is the importance of taking worm medicine regularly?

A: Taking worm medicine regularly can help prevent and overcome worm infections. Worm medicine works by killing adult worms and worm eggs in the body. Regular use of worm medicine can reduce the risk of worm infections.

Q: How can parents help prevent worm infections in their children?

A: Parents can help prevent worm infections in their children by educating them about the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, providing them with regular worm medicine, and encouraging them to practice good hygiene and sanitation habits.

Q: What are the symptoms of worm infections?

A: The symptoms of worm infections can vary depending on the type of worm and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Q: How can worm infections be treated?

A: Worm infections can be treated with worm medicine, which works by killing adult worms and worm eggs in the body. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to treat the infection.

Q: What is the role of the Batang Berh Health Center in preventing worm infections?

A: The Batang Berh Health Center plays a crucial role in preventing worm infections by providing education and awareness about worms, providing regular worm medicine, and promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices in schools.

Q: How can the community help prevent worm infections?

A: The community can help prevent worm infections by promoting education and awareness about worms, providing support for good hygiene and sanitation practices, and advocating for regular worm medicine distribution.

Q: What is the long-term impact of worm infections on children's health?

A: Worm infections can have a long-term impact on children's health, including decreased intelligence and productivity, nutritional deficiencies, and increased risk of other health problems.

Q: How can worm infections be prevented in the long term?

A: Worm infections can be prevented in the long term by promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices, providing regular worm medicine, and educating children about the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.