Reducing Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infection in Children: The Best Outcome of The COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection remains a significant health challenge in developing countries, including Indonesia, with an incidence of around 28.9%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some changes in society’s habits. Therefore, this study aimed to confirm how the pandemic affects the STH infection prevalence in high-risk children. Methods: This study, designed as a cross-sectional analysis, was conducted across multiple orphanages in Makassar, Indonesia. The sample population was healthy children aged 1–18 years old diagnosed with iron deficiency. Stool samples were collected and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique to detect STH infection. The data was analysed with SPSS version 26 and presented in diagrams and tabulations. Results: A total of 545 children 1-18 years old participated in this study, with 144 (26%) suffering from iron deficiency; 89 (61.4%) girls, and 56 boys (38.6%). The soil-transmitted helminth’s prevalence in children with iron deficiency was 6.9%, with A lumbricoides infection at 2.06% (3/144), T. trichiura infection at 2.7% (4/144), and both infections at 2.06% (3/144). Conclusion: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among children in Indonesia significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.