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Agrawal R, Pattnaik S, Kshatri JS, Kanungo S, Mandal N, Palo SK, Pati S. Prevalence and correlates of soil-transmitted helminths in schoolchildren aged 5 to 18 years in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1283054. [PMID: 38577281 PMCID: PMC10991833 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1283054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 report, up to 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost due to soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), and 5.9 million people are at risk of acquiring STHs. Regions with the highest prevalence of STH infections include Sub-Saharan Africa, China, South America, and Asia. While there are numerous fragmented studies on STH, comprehensive information on the prevalence and geographic distribution of different species, as well as their regional variations in the context of STHs is limited. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study attempts to provide a summary of the prevalence, geographical variation, and determinants of STHs among schoolchildren aged 5 to 18 years. Methods An extensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, Cinhal, and Psychinfo for studies published between 1999 and 2022 that reported the rate of STH infection in school-going children aged 5-18 years. A random effects model was employed in this meta-analysis due to expected heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on sex and STH species because of expected geographical variation. Results A total of 19,725 of the 49,630 children examined were infected with STH, yielding an overall pooled prevalence of 37.16% (95% CI: 29.74-44.89). The prevalence was highest in the Western Pacific region at 50.41% (95% CI: 33.74-67.04) followed by Europe at 39.74% (95% CI: 20.40-61.0) and Africa at 37.10% (95% CI: 26.84-47.95). Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be the most prevalent helminth with a prevalence of 24.07% (95% CI: 17.07-31.83). Conclusion The Western Pacific region is classified as a High-risk Zone (HRZ), while Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean are classified as moderate-risk zones (MRZs). We found a 12% reduction in the pooled prevalence of STH infection from 1999 to 2012. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant species among schoolchildren. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Albendazole tablets and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are effective in controlling and preventing STH. Ensuring their implementation and access is crucial to addressing the problem. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#loginpage, CRD42022333341.
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Gerber M, Ayekoé SA, Beckmann J, Bonfoh B, Coulibaly JT, Daouda D, du Randt R, Finda L, Gall S, Mollel GJ, Lang C, Long KZ, Ludyga S, Masanja H, Müller I, Nqweniso S, Okumu F, Probst-Hensch N, Pühse U, Steinmann P, Traoré SG, Walter C, Utzinger J. Effects of school-based physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation intervention on growth, health and well-being of schoolchildren in three African countries: the KaziAfya cluster randomised controlled trial protocol with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Trials 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 31907019 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-13019-13883-13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases remain a key public health issue. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are a rapidly growing public health problem that impose a considerable burden on population health. One way to address this dual disease burden, is to incorporate (lifestyle) health promotion measures within the education sector. In the planned study, we will (i) assess and compare physical activity, physical fitness, micronutrient status, body composition, infections with soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni, malaria, inflammatory and cardiovascular health risk markers, cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and sleep in schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Tanzania. We will (ii) determine the bi- and multivariate associations between these variables and (iii) examine the effects of a school-based health intervention that consists of physical activity, multi-micronutrient supplementation, or both. METHODS Assuming that no interaction occurs between the two interventions (physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation), the study is designed as a cluster-randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Data will be obtained at three time points: at baseline and at 9 months and 21 months after the baseline assessment. In each country, 1320 primary schoolchildren from grades 1-4 will be recruited. In each school, classes will be randomly assigned to one of four interventions: (i) physical activity; (ii) multi-micronutrient supplementation; (iii) physical activity plus multi-micronutrient supplementation; and (iv) no intervention, which will serve as the control. A placebo product will be given to all children who do not receive multi-micronutrient supplementation. After obtaining written informed consent from the parents/guardians, the children will be subjected to anthropometric, clinical, parasitological and physiological assessments. Additionally, fitness tests will be performed, and children will be invited to wear an accelerometer device for 7 days to objectively assess their physical activity. Children infected with S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths will receive deworming drugs according to national policies. Health and nutrition education will be provided to the whole study population independently of the study arm allocation. DISCUSSION The study builds on the experience and lessons of a previous study conducted in South Africa. It involves three African countries with different social-ecological contexts to investigate whether results are generalisable across the continent. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on August 9, 2018, with ISRCTN. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN29534081.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Serge A Ayekoé
- Institut National de la Jeunesse et des Sports, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jean T Coulibaly
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Dao Daouda
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Rosa du Randt
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Lina Finda
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam/Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Stefanie Gall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Z Long
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ivan Müller
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fredros Okumu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam/Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain G Traoré
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences et Technologies des Aliments, Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Gerber M, Ayekoé SA, Beckmann J, Bonfoh B, Coulibaly JT, Daouda D, du Randt R, Finda L, Gall S, Mollel GJ, Lang C, Long KZ, Ludyga S, Masanja H, Müller I, Nqweniso S, Okumu F, Probst-Hensch N, Pühse U, Steinmann P, Traoré SG, Walter C, Utzinger J. Effects of school-based physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation intervention on growth, health and well-being of schoolchildren in three African countries: the KaziAfya cluster randomised controlled trial protocol with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Trials 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 31907019 PMCID: PMC6945709 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases remain a key public health issue. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are a rapidly growing public health problem that impose a considerable burden on population health. One way to address this dual disease burden, is to incorporate (lifestyle) health promotion measures within the education sector. In the planned study, we will (i) assess and compare physical activity, physical fitness, micronutrient status, body composition, infections with soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni, malaria, inflammatory and cardiovascular health risk markers, cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and sleep in schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Tanzania. We will (ii) determine the bi- and multivariate associations between these variables and (iii) examine the effects of a school-based health intervention that consists of physical activity, multi-micronutrient supplementation, or both. METHODS Assuming that no interaction occurs between the two interventions (physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation), the study is designed as a cluster-randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Data will be obtained at three time points: at baseline and at 9 months and 21 months after the baseline assessment. In each country, 1320 primary schoolchildren from grades 1-4 will be recruited. In each school, classes will be randomly assigned to one of four interventions: (i) physical activity; (ii) multi-micronutrient supplementation; (iii) physical activity plus multi-micronutrient supplementation; and (iv) no intervention, which will serve as the control. A placebo product will be given to all children who do not receive multi-micronutrient supplementation. After obtaining written informed consent from the parents/guardians, the children will be subjected to anthropometric, clinical, parasitological and physiological assessments. Additionally, fitness tests will be performed, and children will be invited to wear an accelerometer device for 7 days to objectively assess their physical activity. Children infected with S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths will receive deworming drugs according to national policies. Health and nutrition education will be provided to the whole study population independently of the study arm allocation. DISCUSSION The study builds on the experience and lessons of a previous study conducted in South Africa. It involves three African countries with different social-ecological contexts to investigate whether results are generalisable across the continent. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on August 9, 2018, with ISRCTN. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN29534081.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge A. Ayekoé
- Institut National de la Jeunesse et des Sports, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Jean T. Coulibaly
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Dao Daouda
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Rosa du Randt
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Lina Finda
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam/Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Stefanie Gall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Z. Long
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ivan Müller
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fredros Okumu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam/Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain G. Traoré
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences et Technologies des Aliments, Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Yap P, Müller I, Walter C, Seelig H, Gerber M, Steinmann P, Damons BP, Smith D, Gall S, Bänninger D, Hager T, Htun NSN, Steenkamp L, Gresse A, Probst-Hensch N, Utzinger J, Du Randt R, Pühse U. Disease, activity and schoolchildren's health (DASH) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa: a study protocol. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1285. [PMID: 26700478 PMCID: PMC4690231 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An in-depth epidemiological investigation on intestinal parasite infections in an impoverished area of Port Elizabeth, South Africa provides a unique opportunity for research on its impact on children's physical fitness, cognitive performance and psychosocial health. Additionally, we will screen risk factors for the development of diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. METHODS/DESIGN A 2-year longitudinal cohort study will be conducted, consisting of three cross-sectional surveys (baseline and two follow-ups), in eight historically black and coloured (mixed race) primary schools located in different townships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Approximately 1000 Grade 4 primary schoolchildren, aged 8 to 12 years, will be enrolled and followed. At each survey, disease status, anthropometry and levels of physical fitness, cognitive performance and psychosocial health will be assessed. After each survey, individuals diagnosed with parasitic worm infections will be treated with anthelminthic drugs, while children with other infections will be referred to local clinics. Based on baseline results, interventions will be tailored to the local settings, embedded within the study and implemented in half of the schools, while the remaining schools will serve as controls. Implementation of the interventions will take place over two 8-week periods. The effect of interventions will be determined with predefined health parameters. DISCUSSION This study will shed new light on the health burden incurred by children in deprived urban settings of South Africa and provide guidance for specific health interventions. Challenges foreseen in the conduct of this study include: (i) difficulty in obtaining written informed consent from parents/guardians; (ii) administration of questionnaires in schools where three languages are spoken (Afrikaans, Xhosa and English); (iii) challenges in grasping concepts of psychosocial health among schoolchildren using a questionnaire; and (iv) loss to follow-up due to the study setting where illiteracy, mobility and violence are common. Finally, designing the health interventions together with local principals and teachers will allow all concerned with the research to bolster a sense of community ownership and sustained use of the interventions after the study has ceased. TRIAL REGISTRATION Controlled-trials.com; identifier: ISRCTN68411960 (date assigned: 14 February 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiling Yap
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ivan Müller
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Harald Seelig
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bruce P Damons
- Sapphire Road Primary School, P.O. Box, Booysens Park, Port Elizabeth, 6059, South Africa.
| | - Danielle Smith
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Stefanie Gall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Dominique Bänninger
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Hager
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nan S N Htun
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Liana Steenkamp
- Department of Dietetics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Annelie Gresse
- Department of Dietetics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Rosa Du Randt
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, St. Jakobsturm, Birsstrasse 320B, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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Strunz EC, Addiss DG, Stocks ME, Ogden S, Utzinger J, Freeman MC. Water, sanitation, hygiene, and soil-transmitted helminth infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001620. [PMID: 24667810 PMCID: PMC3965411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 433] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive chemotherapy represents a powerful but short-term control strategy for soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Since humans are often re-infected rapidly, long-term solutions require improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The purpose of this study was to quantitatively summarize the relationship between WASH access or practices and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the associations of improved WASH on infection with STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm [Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus], and Strongyloides stercoralis). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 28, 2013 with no language restrictions. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they provided an estimate for the effect of WASH access or practices on STH infection. We assessed the quality of published studies with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 94 studies met our eligibility criteria; five were randomized controlled trials, whilst most others were cross-sectional studies. We used random-effects meta-analyses and analyzed only adjusted estimates to help account for heterogeneity and potential confounding respectively. Use of treated water was associated with lower odds of STH infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% CI 0.36-0.60). Piped water access was associated with lower odds of A. lumbricoides (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.39-0.41) and T. trichiura infection (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.45-0.72), but not any STH infection (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.28-3.11). Access to sanitation was associated with decreased likelihood of infection with any STH (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.76), T. trichiura (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.50-0.74), and A. lumbricoides (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.88), but not with hookworm infection (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.61-1.06). Wearing shoes was associated with reduced odds of hookworm infection (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18-0.47) and infection with any STH (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.83). Handwashing, both before eating (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.55) and after defecating (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35-0.58), was associated with lower odds of A. lumbricoides infection. Soap use or availability was significantly associated with lower infection with any STH (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.98), as was handwashing after defecation (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.90). Observational evidence constituted the majority of included literature, which limits any attempt to make causal inferences. Due to underlying heterogeneity across observational studies, the meta-analysis results reflect an average of many potentially distinct effects, not an average of one specific exposure-outcome relationship. CONCLUSIONS WASH access and practices are generally associated with reduced odds of STH infection. Pooled estimates from all meta-analyses, except for two, indicated at least a 33% reduction in odds of infection associated with individual WASH practices or access. Although most WASH interventions for STH have focused on sanitation, access to water and hygiene also appear to significantly reduce odds of infection. Overall quality of evidence was low due to the preponderance of observational studies, though recent randomized controlled trials have further underscored the benefit of handwashing interventions. Limited use of the Joint Monitoring Program's standardized water and sanitation definitions in the literature restricted efforts to generalize across studies. While further research is warranted to determine the magnitude of benefit from WASH interventions for STH control, these results call for multi-sectoral, integrated intervention packages that are tailored to social-ecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Strunz
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David G. Addiss
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Meredith E. Stocks
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Ogden
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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