Pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic evaluation of soil-transmitted helminth infections among the Kensiu Negrito indigenous community

This study evaluated soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among the Kensiu Negrito indigenous community in Kampung Lubuk Legong, Kedah, Malaysia, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 70 and 87 participants were examined in 2020 and 2022, respectively. STH infections were detected using the Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration methods. The overall prevalence declined from 85.7% in 2020 to 65.5% in 2022, a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.0054). Trichuris trichiura remained the most common STH infection (year 2020: 84.3%; year 2022: 63.2%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2020: 32.9%; 2022: 24.1%) and hookworm (2020: 21.4%; 2022: 25.3%). A statistically significant decrease was observed for T. trichiura overall (p = 0.0039) and in moderate infections (p < 0.0001), while the changes in A. lumbricoides and hookworm were not significant. The study employed a descriptive design and statistical comparisons were limited due to the small sample size. Despite this, the findings suggest an overall improvement in STH prevalence post-pandemic. Continued monitoring and culturally sensitive interventions remain essential to address persistent infection and promote long-term health improvements in Orang Asli communities.