A Small‐Scale Survey of Pinworm ( <i>Enterobius vermicularis</i> ) Among Health Science Students in Lalitpur, Nepal

Background and Aims Enterobius vermicularis is a nematode worm that causes enterobiasis. It mainly affects children in developing countries, such as Nepal. Therefore, understanding and monitoring the incidence of this worm infection are essential, as it directly affects children’s health outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of Enterobius vermicularis among health science students in Lalitpur, Nepal, and to assess the sociodemographic and behavioral factors contributing to it. Methods Altogether, 182 noninvasive samples were collected from 110 students ( N = 110). This includes 72 paired Scotch‐tape and fecal samples and the remaining 38 fecal samples. Furthermore, sociodemographic data and participants’ adopted behavioral practices were collected through a structured questionnaire. Laboratory analysis includes direct examination of Scotch‐tape samples and fecal analysis using both direct wet‐mount and formal‐ether sedimentation methods. Results The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis was 1.8% (2/110), with both Scotch‐tape and fecal samples yielding one positive case each. Both of the positive cases were recorded in male participants of age 16 years with a history of irregular deworming and ongoing symptoms, such as anal itching, mild insomnia, and sampling during the winter months. Additionally, other intestinal parasites, including protozoa such as Entamoeba sp. and helminths such as Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm, Trichuris trichiura , and Hymenolepis nana , were reported. Additionally, E. vermicularis was found co‐infected with other intestinal parasites. Conclusion The study concluded that the prevalence of E. vermicularis was low among the health science students. Based on the questionnaire survey and laboratory diagnosis, although the students were aware of personal hygiene rules, irregular deworming practices, and symptomatic body conditions, these factors probably contributed to enterobiasis. Thus, periodic parasite monitoring and timely deworming are highly recommended to reduce enterobiasis and other parasitic infections.