Limited Access to Health Services

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

Risk Factors of Concidence in Children of Elementary School 01 Pematang Jering Village, Sei Suka District, Batu Bara Regency

Introduction

Intestinal worms, also known as concidence, are a significant health problem that affects millions of children worldwide, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. This disease is caused by various types of parasites, including hookworms, flatworms, and pinworms, which can lead to malnutrition, growth disorders, and decreased learning ability. In this study, we aim to identify the risk factors that contribute to the incidence of intestinal worms in children attending Elementary School 01 Pematang Jering Village, Sei Suka District, Batu Bara Regency.

Background

Intestinal worms are a major public health concern in Indonesia, where poor hygiene and sanitation practices are prevalent. Children are particularly vulnerable to this disease, as they often engage in activities that increase their risk of infection, such as playing in contaminated soil or drinking untreated water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intestinal worms affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in tropical and subtropical regions.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach to collect data from 52 students attending Elementary School 01 Pematang Jering Village. The sample was selected using a random sampling method, which ensured that the participants were representative of the school population. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the students' hygiene practices, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and health status.

Results

The results of this study showed that 42 students (78.8%) were not at risk of intestinal worms, while 11 students (21.2%) were at risk. These findings indicate that there is a need to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of personal hygiene among students.

Risk Factors of Intestinal Worms

Several risk factors contribute to the incidence of intestinal worms in children, including:

Poor Hygiene Practices: Children who do not wash their hands after playing or before eating are at higher risk of infection.
Unclean Environments: Children who play in contaminated soil or drink untreated water are at risk of infection.
Poor Sanitation: Children who live in areas with poor sanitation facilities are at risk of infection.
Limited Access to Health Services: Children who do not have access to regular health check-ups and treatment are at risk of infection.

Recommendations for Improving Child Health

To minimize the risk of intestinal worms among students of SDN 01 Pematang Jering, several recommendations can be taken, including:

Training and Education: Hold regular educational sessions on hygiene and health for students and parents, involving the Puskesmas in providing health counseling.
Availability of Bathing and Washing Facilities: Ensure that facilities for washing hands and clean toilets are available at school, so that children can practice good hygiene.
Health Extension Program: Implement regular health education programs about the prevention of intestinal worms, including the importance of washing hands and avoiding contaminated foods.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Ensure that children receive regular health check-ups and treatment to prevent the spread of intestinal worms.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors that contribute to the incidence of intestinal worms in children. By understanding these risk factors, we can develop effective strategies to prevent the spread of this disease. The recommendations outlined in this study can be implemented by schools, parents, and health authorities to minimize the risk of intestinal worms among children. This research is expected to be the basis for broader efforts in preventing worms among children in other regions in Indonesia.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of 52 students may not be representative of the entire school population.
Cross-Sectional Design: The cross-sectional design of this study may not capture the temporal relationship between risk factors and intestinal worm infection.
Self-Reported Data: The data collected through questionnaires may be subject to bias and inaccuracies.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the Temporal Relationship: Investigate the temporal relationship between risk factors and intestinal worm infection.
Use a Larger Sample Size: Use a larger sample size to ensure that the results are representative of the entire school population.
Use Objective Measures: Use objective measures, such as stool tests, to confirm the presence of intestinal worms.

References

World Health Organization. (2019). Intestinal Worms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Intestinal Worms.
Ministry of Health, Indonesia. (2020). National Health Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Intestinal Worms in Children

Q: What are intestinal worms?

A: Intestinal worms, also known as concidence, are a type of parasite that infects the intestines of humans. They can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Q: How do children get intestinal worms?

A: Children can get intestinal worms through contaminated soil, water, or food. They can also get infected through poor hygiene practices, such as not washing their hands after using the bathroom or before eating.

Q: What are the risk factors for intestinal worms in children?

A: The risk factors for intestinal worms in children include:

Poor hygiene practices
Unclean environments
Poor sanitation
Limited access to health services
Playing in contaminated soil or drinking untreated water

Q: What are the symptoms of intestinal worms in children?

A: The symptoms of intestinal worms in children can include:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

Q: How can I prevent my child from getting intestinal worms?

A: To prevent your child from getting intestinal worms, you can:

Wash your child's hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom or before eating
Keep your child's environment clean and free of contamination
Ensure that your child has access to clean water and sanitation facilities
Provide your child with regular health check-ups and treatment

Q: What should I do if I suspect that my child has intestinal worms?

A: If you suspect that your child has intestinal worms, you should:

Consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment
Follow the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare professional
Ensure that your child completes the full treatment course to prevent re-infection

Q: Can intestinal worms be treated?

A: Yes, intestinal worms can be treated with medication. The treatment typically involves taking a course of antiparasitic medication, which can be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Q: How can I prevent the spread of intestinal worms in my community?

A: To prevent the spread of intestinal worms in your community, you can:

Educate your community about the risks and prevention of intestinal worms
Promote good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and keeping environments clean
Ensure that your community has access to clean water and sanitation facilities
Provide regular health check-ups and treatment for those who are infected

Q: What are the long-term effects of intestinal worms in children?

A: The long-term effects of intestinal worms in children can include:

Malnutrition
Growth disorders
Decreased learning ability
Increased risk of other health problems, such as anemia and diarrhea

Q: Can intestinal worms be prevented in the long term?

A: Yes, intestinal worms can be prevented in the long term by:

Maintaining good hygiene practices
Keeping environments clean and free of contamination
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities
Providing regular health check-ups and treatment

Q: What role can schools play in preventing intestinal worms?

A: Schools can play a significant role in preventing intestinal worms by:

Educating students about the risks and prevention of intestinal worms
Promoting good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and keeping environments clean
Ensuring that students have access to clean water and sanitation facilities
Providing regular health check-ups and treatment for those who are infected

Q: What role can parents play in preventing intestinal worms?

A: Parents can play a significant role in preventing intestinal worms by:

Educating their children about the risks and prevention of intestinal worms
Promoting good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and keeping environments clean
Ensuring that their children have access to clean water and sanitation facilities
Providing regular health check-ups and treatment for those who are infected