Sanitation and hygiene facilities

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 42 views

Introduction

Infection of intestinal parasites is a global endemic disease and is one of the main causes of morbidity throughout the world. In Medan, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in elementary school age children is quite high, reaching around 40%. The existence of parasites in the intestine can interfere with the growth of children, which is certainly very detrimental to their development. One important factor that affects individual health is clean and healthy life behavior. This involves an understanding of the importance of personal hygiene and how our attitude in dealing with diseases or other health problems.

Personal hygiene is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health, and it plays a significant role in preventing the spread of diseases. It is essential to understand the relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infections, as it can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of children. In this study, we aim to determine the relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infections among students from three elementary schools, namely SDN 060889, SDN 060894, and SDN 060831 located in Medan.

Methodology

The methodology used in this study is observational analysis with cross-sectional design. The sample studied consisted of 62 students from class IV, V, and VI who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research data was collected through a questionnaire and microscopic analysis of the stool specimens using the Kato-Katz and Ether Formol Concentration method.

The questionnaire used in this study consisted of questions related to personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing. The questionnaire also included questions related to the frequency of handwashing and the use of soap. The microscopic analysis of stool specimens was used to detect the presence of intestinal parasites.

Results

The results of this study showed that of the 62 respondents studied, as many as 26 students (41.93%) were infected with intestinal parasites. In addition, there are 16 students (25.80%) who have poor personal hygiene, while 46 students (74.19%) have good personal hygiene. This study found a significant relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection, with a value of P = 0,000.

The results of this study suggest that there is a strong relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection. Students who have good personal hygiene practices are less likely to be infected with intestinal parasites. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have shown a positive relationship between personal hygiene and health outcomes.

Discussion

The relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection shows how important it is to maintain personal hygiene to prevent infection. Education about clean living behavior should be a serious concern in schools. By increasing student awareness about personal hygiene, it is expected that the number of intestinal parasitic infections can be suppressed. In addition, counseling programs to parents are also important, so that they can support children in applying hygienic habits at home.

The results of this study also highlight the importance of education and awareness about personal hygiene. Students who have good personal hygiene practices are more likely to have a lower risk of intestinal parasitic infection. This finding suggests that education and awareness about personal hygiene can play a significant role in preventing the spread of diseases.

Conclusion

Overall, this study confirmed that there was a strong relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection in students at SDN 060889, SDN 060894, and SDN 060831 Medan. Further efforts are needed to increase awareness of the importance of hygiene, both in the school environment and at home, so that children can grow and develop properly without interference from parasitic infections.

The findings of this study have implications for public health policy and practice. Education and awareness about personal hygiene should be a priority in schools and communities. Parents and caregivers should also be educated about the importance of personal hygiene and how to support children in applying hygienic habits at home.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and awareness: Education and awareness about personal hygiene should be a priority in schools and communities. Students, parents, and caregivers should be educated about the importance of personal hygiene and how to apply hygienic habits at home.
Counseling programs: Counseling programs to parents are also important, so that they can support children in applying hygienic habits at home.
Handwashing practices: Handwashing practices should be promoted and encouraged in schools and communities. Students should be taught how to wash their hands properly and frequently.
Sanitation and hygiene facilities: Sanitation and hygiene facilities should be improved in schools and communities. This includes providing access to clean water, soap, and toilet facilities.
Community-based interventions: Community-based interventions should be implemented to promote personal hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the number of intestinal parasitic infections can be suppressed, and children can grow and develop properly without interference from parasitic infections.

Q: What is the relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection?

A: The relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection is significant. Good personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and properly, can help prevent the spread of intestinal parasites. This study found a strong relationship between personal hygiene and intestinal parasitic infection, with a value of P = 0,000.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene practices, such as:

Washing hands frequently and properly, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Using soap and water to wash hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who have intestinal parasites.
Avoiding eating undercooked or raw meat, fish, or eggs.
Avoiding drinking untreated water or eating untreated fruits and vegetables.

Q: What are the symptoms of intestinal parasitic infection?

A: The symptoms of intestinal parasitic infection can vary depending on the type of parasite and the individual's immune system. Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating or gas
Weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
Nausea or vomiting

Q: How can I treat intestinal parasitic infection?

A: Treatment for intestinal parasitic infection typically involves medication to kill the parasites. The type of medication and the duration of treatment will depend on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection. In some cases, treatment may also involve supportive care, such as hydration and nutrition.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from my pet?

A: Yes, it is possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from your pet. Pets can carry intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated feces or contaminated soil.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection from my pet?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection from your pet, it is essential to:

Keep your pet's living area clean and free of feces.
Wash your hands frequently and properly after handling your pet or its feces.
Avoid eating undercooked or raw meat, fish, or eggs that may be contaminated with parasites.
Use flea and tick preventatives on your pet to reduce the risk of parasite transmission.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated water?

A: Yes, it is possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated water. Contaminated water can contain parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can cause intestinal parasitic infection.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated water?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated water, it is essential to:

Use treated water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or streams.
Avoid eating untreated fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water.
Use water filters or purification tablets to treat water before consumption.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated food?

A: Yes, it is possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated food. Contaminated food can contain parasites, such as tapeworms and hookworms, which can cause intestinal parasitic infection.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated food?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection from contaminated food, it is essential to:

Cook food thoroughly before consumption.
Avoid eating undercooked or raw meat, fish, or eggs.
Avoid eating untreated fruits and vegetables that may have been contaminated with parasites.
Use proper food handling and storage techniques to prevent contamination.

Q: What are the long-term effects of intestinal parasitic infection?

A: The long-term effects of intestinal parasitic infection can vary depending on the type of parasite and the individual's immune system. Common long-term effects include:

Malnutrition and weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating and gas
Increased risk of other infections and diseases

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from a mosquito bite?

A: No, it is not possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, but they do not transmit intestinal parasites.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from a tick bite?

A: No, it is not possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from a tick bite. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but they do not transmit intestinal parasites.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from a flea bite?

A: No, it is not possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from a flea bite. Fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and tapeworms, but they do not transmit intestinal parasites.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated surface?

A: Yes, it is possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated surface. Contaminated surfaces can contain parasites, such as tapeworms and hookworms, which can cause intestinal parasitic infection.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated surface?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated surface, it is essential to:

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with parasites.
Wash your hands frequently and properly after touching surfaces.
Use gloves when handling surfaces that may be contaminated with parasites.

Q: Can I get intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated animal?

A: Yes, it is possible to get intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated animal. Contaminated animals can carry parasites, such as tapeworms and hookworms, which can cause intestinal parasitic infection.

Q: How can I prevent intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated animal?

A: To prevent intestinal parasitic infection from a contaminated animal, it is essential to:

Keep animals clean and free of feces.
Wash your hands frequently and properly after handling animals.
Avoid eating undercooked or raw meat, fish, or eggs that may be contaminated with parasites.
Use flea and tick preventatives on animals to reduce the risk of parasite transmission.