Factors Associated with Helminthiasis among Vegetable Farmers in Barito Kuala District

Abstract

Background and Objective: Infections caused by soil-transmitted helminth (STH) are one of the global health problems. Farmers were one group that has a high risk infected by helminth. Thi s study ai med to determi ne the associ ati on of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other factors with helminthiasis among vegetable farmers in Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan Province. Materials and Methods: Population and sample in this study were vegetable farmers and these samples were taken randomly. This study was an analytical study with a case-control design. Chi-square, binary logistic regression and SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: This study showed male farmers, elementary educated farmers and these farmers do not have hands washing habit. Farmers who have to consume of raw foods habit more than once per week have a greater risk of getting infected by helminth. This study showed more helminth infections occur in farmers who do not use personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Current study found that helminthiasis was significantly associated with the use of complete personal protective equipment, gender, education level, hand washing habit and habit of consuming raw foods. It was advisable for vegetable farmers to always use personal protective equipment when farmed and to keep good personal hygiene.