Understanding the Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections in Indonesia

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 130 views

The Relationship between Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections and Hemoglobin Levels at SDN 105269 Medan Sunggal in 2016

Understanding the Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections in Indonesia

Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections are a significant health problem in Indonesia, classified as neglected tropical parasites that often affect community groups with low socioeconomic levels. This disease is caused by a group of STH worms that can affect the process of entering, digestion, absorption, and food metabolism, leading to nutritional losses, including calories and protein, as well as blood loss that can cause anemia. With this health problem, it is essential to conduct research that can identify the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels, especially in elementary school students who are vulnerable groups.

The Importance of Researching the Relationship between STH Infection and Hemoglobin Levels

This study aims to determine the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels in students at SDN 105269 Medan Sunggal. The research is crucial in understanding the impact of STH infections on the health of elementary school students, who are in a critical stage of growth and development. By identifying the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels, this study can provide valuable insights for health professionals, policymakers, and educators to develop effective health intervention programs that can reduce the prevalence of STH infections and improve overall public health.

Research Methods and Data Collection

This study is an analytic research with a cross-sectional approach involving children aged 7-12 years. The children involved in this study have met the inclusion criteria and have signed the approval form. The sampling technique used is total sampling. In this study, a microscopic examination of feces was conducted to detect STH infections, as well as measurement of hemoglobin levels in the blood. The data obtained was then analyzed using the Chi-Square Pearson test.

Research Results and Findings

Of the total 18 research subjects infected with STH, found 1 subject had mild anemia and 8 subjects had moderate anemia. Statistical analysis conducted using the Chi-Square test produced a value of P = 0.284. This value shows that P> 0.05, which means there is no significant relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels in the subject under study.

Conclusion and Implications

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between STH infection (worry) with hemoglobin levels in students at SDN 105269 Medan Sunggal. Although many studies have shown that STH infections can affect nutritional status and blood health, in the context of this study, data does not support significant relationships. This study highlights the importance of considering other factors that affect hemoglobin levels, such as eating patterns, general health conditions, and genetic factors.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The presence of STH infection is often associated with poor socioeconomic and sanitation conditions. This infection is generally more prevalent in areas with limited access to health and hygiene facilities. This study emphasizes that although there are indications that STH infections can cause anemia, in this study there were no sufficient evidence to support the claim. This may be caused by other factors that affect hemoglobin levels, such as eating patterns, general health conditions, and genetic factors.

Recommendations for Future Research and Health Intervention Programs

With the results of this study, it is expected to be a consideration for further research and as a reference in formulating a more effective health intervention program, especially for children in elementary schools. Health education, improvement of cleanliness, and better access to sanitation facilities must continue to be done to reduce the prevalence of this infection and improve overall public health.

The Importance of Preventing STH Infections

Efforts to prevent STH infections are still very important, even though there is no significant relationship found in this study. Health education, improvement of cleanliness, and better access to sanitation facilities must continue to be done to reduce the prevalence of this infection and improve overall public health. By preventing STH infections, we can reduce the risk of anemia and other health problems associated with this disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of researching the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels in elementary school students. Although the results of this study do not support a significant relationship, it emphasizes the need for further research and health intervention programs to reduce the prevalence of STH infections and improve overall public health.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels.

Future Directions for Research

Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels in different populations, including children and adults. Additionally, studies should explore the impact of STH infections on other health outcomes, such as nutritional status and cognitive function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between STH infection and hemoglobin levels in elementary school students. Although the results of this study do not support a significant relationship, it emphasizes the need for further research and health intervention programs to reduce the prevalence of STH infections and improve overall public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections and Hemoglobin Levels

Q: What are Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections?

A: STH infections are a type of parasitic infection caused by a group of worms that can affect the process of entering, digestion, absorption, and food metabolism, leading to nutritional losses, including calories and protein, as well as blood loss that can cause anemia.

Q: What are the symptoms of STH infections?

A: The symptoms of STH infections can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. In severe cases, STH infections can cause intestinal obstruction, which can be life-threatening.

Q: How are STH infections transmitted?

A: STH infections are transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water, or food. The worms can be present in the soil, water, or food, and can be ingested by humans through various means, including eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Q: Who is at risk of developing STH infections?

A: Anyone can develop STH infections, but certain groups are at higher risk, including children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. People living in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene facilities are also at higher risk.

Q: What is the relationship between STH infections and hemoglobin levels?

A: STH infections can cause anemia by leading to blood loss and nutritional deficiencies. However, the relationship between STH infections and hemoglobin levels is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact of STH infections on hemoglobin levels.

Q: How can STH infections be prevented?

A: STH infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, including washing hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom or before eating. Using clean water and food, and avoiding contact with contaminated soil or water can also help prevent STH infections.

Q: What are the treatment options for STH infections?

A: The treatment options for STH infections include anthelmintic medications, which can help kill the worms and alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage complications.

Q: Can STH infections be cured?

A: Yes, STH infections can be cured with treatment. However, it is essential to complete the full course of treatment to ensure that all the worms are killed and to prevent reinfection.

Q: How can I get tested for STH infections?

A: If you suspect that you have STH infections, you should consult a healthcare professional for testing and treatment. Your healthcare provider may perform a stool test or other diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of STH infections.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of STH infections?

A: The long-term consequences of STH infections can include chronic anemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive function. In severe cases, STH infections can lead to intestinal obstruction, which can be life-threatening.

Q: Can STH infections be prevented through vaccination?

A: Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent STH infections. However, research is ongoing to develop a vaccine against STH infections.

Q: How can I get involved in preventing STH infections?

A: You can get involved in preventing STH infections by practicing good hygiene, supporting health education programs, and advocating for improved sanitation and hygiene facilities in your community.