Representation of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eggs on Fingernails of Children in Orphanages in the City of Padang on October-December 2023

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is one of the neglected tropical diseases in which preschool-age and school-age children had the highest number of the prevalence. The spread of STH infection can be caused by poor nail hygiene, especially in shared facilities such as orphanage. This study was a descriptive study with primary data from Al-Falah Orphanage, Anak Mentawai Gurun Laweh Orphanage, and Yayasan Kanzul Ulum Pasia Nan Tigo on October to December 2023. The sampling technique in this study was purposive sampling with 123 total samples. All samples were examined by direct microscopic examination with direct sedimentation method. The study found that from 123 samples, 1.6% samples were contaminated by Ascaris lumbricoides eggs and 0.8% samples were contaminated by hookworm eggs. It can be concluded that STH eggs were identified on fingernails of children in orphanages in the city of Padang which contributed as one of STH infection transmission factor. Therefore, promotive and preventive actions might be needed to prevent STH infection in orphanage children. Keywords: Nail hygiene, STH infection, orphanage children