Identification of Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) Eggs in Stool Samples of Children Aged 5–6 in Matekko Village, Gantarang Subdistrict, Bulukumba District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69930/fsst.v3i1.913Keywords:
Soil Transmitted Helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides Trichuris trichiura, Children, Fecal ExaminationAbstract
Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection remains a public health problem among young children due to their high risk of exposure to contaminated environments and inadequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to determine the presence and types of STH eggs in the feces of children aged 5–6 years in Matekko Village, Gantarang District, Bulukumba Regency. A cross-sectional study design was employed using purposive sampling. A total of 58 fecal samples were examined using native smear and sedimentation methods. The results showed that 22 samples (37.93%) were positive for STH infection. The identified helminth eggs were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. The sedimentation method detected 22 positive samples, while the native smear method detected 19 positive samples. In conclusion, STH infection was still found among children aged 5–6 years, with the sedimentation method demonstrating higher sensitivity than the native smear method. Early detection and routine screening of STH infections among young children directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 by preventing parasite-induced morbidity and developmental impairment, while promoting hygiene and soil decontamination practices aligns with SDG 6.
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