Lhokseumawe City Government

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 53 views

The Influence of Environmental Sanitation, Personal Hygiene, and Child Characteristics on Worm Infections in Elementary School Students in Blang Mangat District, Lhokseumawe City

Introduction

Worm infections remain a significant health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. The country's poor environmental sanitation conditions, low socioeconomic status, and climate that supports the growth of worms contribute to the high prevalence of worm infections. In Blang Mangat District, Lhokseumawe City, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province, this issue is still a pressing concern. In 2006, a study found that 53.8% of 65 elementary students examined were positive for worm infections. This study aims to analyze the effect of environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and child characteristics on the incidence of worm infections in elementary students in Blang Mangat District.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional design, with a population of 240 class V and VI students from three public elementary schools in Blang Mangat District. The research sample consisted of 150 participants, selected using proportional sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple logistic regression at α = 0.05.

Results

The results showed that environmental sanitation, including home and school sanitation, was inadequate, with only 50.7% of the participants meeting the required standards. Personal hygiene, including nail hygiene (46.7%), the use of footwear (52.7%), and hand washing habits (53.3%), were also in a poor category. Individual characteristics of children, such as knowledge (36.0%) and attitudes (41.3%), were also in the bad category. Furthermore, 52% of girls and 60% of children with low parents' income were identified. The level of positive worm infection reached 52.7%.

Variables Affecting Worm Infections

The results revealed that the cleanliness of the nails, the use of footwear, hand washing habits, gender, and parents' income were variables that affected worm infections. This indicates that poor environmental sanitation, low personal hygiene, and family economic factors are the primary causes of high worm infections in children.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, several recommendations can be made:

Lhokseumawe City Government: Needs to increase cooperation with private agencies to improve environmental sanitation in Blang Mangat District.
Health Office and Puskesmas: Needs to increase health promotion, especially in the personal hygiene of elementary school students.
School Health Business Officers (UKS): Needs to continue providing guidance to all elementary schools, especially for the three schools that are the research location.

Conclusion

The prevention of worm infections is a shared responsibility that requires joint efforts from various stakeholders. By improving environmental sanitation, promoting personal hygiene, and addressing family economic factors, we can create a healthier environment and support optimal children's growth and development.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study have significant implications for practice. Firstly, it highlights the need for improved environmental sanitation in Blang Mangat District. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of promoting personal hygiene among elementary school students. Finally, it underscores the need to address family economic factors that contribute to high worm infections in children.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases. Finally, the study did not control for other potential variables that may affect worm infections.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study. Firstly, a larger sample size should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, objective measures of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene should be used to reduce biases. Finally, other potential variables that may affect worm infections should be controlled for in the analysis.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, including additional tables and figures]

Abstract

Worm infections remain a significant health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. This study aims to analyze the effect of environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and child characteristics on the incidence of worm infections in elementary students in Blang Mangat District. The results showed that poor environmental sanitation, low personal hygiene, and family economic factors are the primary causes of high worm infections in children. The study recommends increasing cooperation with private agencies to improve environmental sanitation, promoting personal hygiene among elementary school students, and addressing family economic factors. The findings of this study have significant implications for practice and highlight the need for joint efforts to prevent worm infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Worm Infections in Elementary School Students in Blang Mangat District, Lhokseumawe City

Q: What are the common causes of worm infections in elementary school students?

A: The common causes of worm infections in elementary school students include poor environmental sanitation, low personal hygiene, and family economic factors.

Q: What are the symptoms of worm infections in children?

A: The symptoms of worm infections in children may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Q: How can worm infections be prevented?

A: Worm infections can be prevented by improving environmental sanitation, promoting personal hygiene, and addressing family economic factors.

Q: What are the risk factors for worm infections in children?

A: The risk factors for worm infections in children include poor environmental sanitation, low personal hygiene, family economic factors, and lack of access to healthcare.

Q: How can parents and caregivers help prevent worm infections in children?

A: Parents and caregivers can help prevent worm infections in children by ensuring that they practice good personal hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly, and by providing a clean and safe environment for them to live in.

Q: What are the consequences of untreated worm infections in children?

A: Untreated worm infections in children can lead to serious health complications, including malnutrition, anemia, and even death.

Q: How can schools and communities help prevent worm infections in children?

A: Schools and communities can help prevent worm infections in children by promoting good personal hygiene practices, such as hand washing and proper toilet use, and by providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Q: What are the long-term effects of worm infections in children?

A: The long-term effects of worm infections in children may include stunted growth and development, reduced cognitive function, and increased risk of other health problems.

Q: How can healthcare providers diagnose worm infections in children?

A: Healthcare providers can diagnose worm infections in children through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, such as stool examination.

Q: What are the treatment options for worm infections in children?

A: The treatment options for worm infections in children may include antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, and supportive care, such as hydration and nutrition.

Q: How can communities work together to prevent worm infections in children?

A: Communities can work together to prevent worm infections in children by promoting good personal hygiene practices, providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and supporting healthcare initiatives.

Q: What are the economic benefits of preventing worm infections in children?

A: Preventing worm infections in children can have significant economic benefits, including reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and improved economic growth.

Q: How can policymakers support efforts to prevent worm infections in children?

A: Policymakers can support efforts to prevent worm infections in children by allocating resources for healthcare initiatives, promoting good personal hygiene practices, and supporting community-based programs.

Q: What are the social benefits of preventing worm infections in children?

A: Preventing worm infections in children can have significant social benefits, including improved education outcomes, increased social mobility, and enhanced quality of life.

Q: How can individuals get involved in efforts to prevent worm infections in children?

A: Individuals can get involved in efforts to prevent worm infections in children by volunteering with local health organizations, supporting community-based programs, and promoting good personal hygiene practices.