Helminth Infections in an Indigenous Community of Nepal: The Role of Individual and Household Socio-Economic Factors

S. Khanal; R. J Soares Magalhaes; Pradip Gyawali

Authors

S. Khanal
R. J Soares Magalhaes
Pradip Gyawali

Keywords:

Helminth infection, Socio-economic factors, Indigenous population, Nepal

Abstract

Background and Objective: In Nepal, gastrointestinal helminthiases are endemic in indigenous people living in low laying areas of the country. However, little is known regarding the role of different socio-economic indicators on helminth infections in these communities. The main aim of this study is to identify the relationship between socio-economic factors and helminth infection in an indigenous community in Nepal. Method: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Gaindakot Village Development committee, Nepal in July to August 2010. Total of 137 people of 10-60 years of age provided faecal samples for parasitology and answered a questionnaire on indicators of their socio-economic conditions. Result: Overall 54.0% of individuals were positive for helminth infection. The higher (74.3%, 69.6%, 57.8%, 56.9% and 63.6%) infection rate was found in the people worked as a laborer, without sanitation, inadequate water source, living in a mudded house and sharing house with animals respectively. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.05) except water use and house type. Correlation between socio- economic variable and helminth infection was very high (0.99-1.00). Hookworm infection was significantly associated with household sanitation (P < 0.001). While the risk of roundworm infection was significantly associated with low lying areas (P = 0.005). Conclusion: The individual and social behavior had important role in helminth infection. Hookworm infection could be reduced by improved sanitation facilities and the utilization of safe water sources. In addition, health education programs aimed at indigenous laborers is likely to play a significant role in the reduction of roundworm infection in the community.

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Helminth Infections in an Indigenous Community of Nepal: The Role of Individual and Household Socio-Economic Factors. (2013). Global Journal of Medical Research, 13(2), 33-40. https://medicalresearchjournal.org/index.php/GJMR/article/view/

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Author Biographies

S. Khanal

Dr. Pradip Gyawali is a public health researcher and scientist with a strong focus on infectious diseases, particularly helminth infections. He earned his PhD in Public Health from The University of Queensland in 2016 and an MSc in Biology Science from Flinders University in 2011. His doctoral research examined the socio-economic determinants of helminth infections in indigenous communities of Nepal, leading to a publication on the topic. Over his career, Dr. Gyawali has held positions at CSIRO Land and Water in Brisbane, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in New Zealand, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. His work spans environmental health, food safety, and risk management. With 58 publications, over 3,200 citations, an h-index of 27, and an i10-index of 37, Dr. Gyawali is recognized as a productive and influential researcher in his field.

Pradip Gyawali

Dr. Pradip Gyawali is a public health researcher and scientist with a strong focus on infectious diseases, particularly helminth infections. He earned his PhD in Public Health from The University of Queensland in 2016 and an MSc in Biology Science from Flinders University in 2011. His doctoral research examined the socio-economic determinants of helminth infections in indigenous communities of Nepal, leading to a publication on the topic. Over his career, Dr. Gyawali has held positions at CSIRO Land and Water in Brisbane, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in New Zealand, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. His work spans environmental health, food safety, and risk management. With 58 publications, over 3,200 citations, an h-index of 27, and an i10-index of 37, Dr. Gyawali is recognized as a productive and influential researcher in his field.

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