Assess the Prevalence of Worm Infestation, Level of Practice and their Association with Demographic Variables among School Children in a Selected Urban Area at Dharapuram, with a view to develop: An Information Booklet

The parasite infestation is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric population in tropical countries. It is a major cause of childhood malnutrition, anaemia, stunted physical and mental growth and psycho-social problems. The prevalence of worm infestation in children varies in different regions of the world. It is particularly high in poor and developing countries due to use of contaminated drinking water, inadequate sanitary conditions, poor personal hygiene and cooking practices. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence of worm infestation, level of practice and their association with demographic variables among school children in a selected urban area at Dharapuram, with a view to develop an information booklet. The research approach used for this study was descriptive approach. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. The conceptual framework used for the study was based on the Modified Pender’s Health Promotion Model (Revised 2002). Non probability purposive sampling was used to select 324 samples for the study. About 324 school children were tested for presence of worms by microscopic examination of the stool using floatation technique. About 200 samples were found to be positive for worm infestation. The level of practice regarding worm infestation was assessed by structured interview schedule using rating scale from positive cases. The data gathered were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study includes 62% (n=200) were infested and 38% (n=124) were non infested. Among the infestation the most common parasite identified was pin worm 186 (93%) and hook worm 14(7%). Among that 52 (26%) school children had worm infestation occasionally, 117(58.5%) were in the category of (+) and 31(15.5%) were in the category of (++). Regarding the level of practice 23 (11.5%) school children had inadequate practice 155 (77.5%) had moderately adequate practice and 22(11%) had adequate practice regarding worm infestation. Mean and Standard deviation of practice score was 49.77 (SD±5.45). There was no significant association between worm infestation among the school children with their selected demographic variables and there was significant association between the level of practice regarding worm infestation with their selected demographic variables such as educational status (χ2=15.67), Occupation (χ2=26.02), family income (χ2=27.81), size of the family (χ2=7.75), disposal of excreta (χ2=18.59), and source of water supply (χ2=10.86) except for age, sex and religion. This study findings concluded that majority of the school children (6-12 years) in the community had worm infestation and had less practice regarding worm infestation. The information booklet play an important role in improving the practices regarding worm infestation among the school children