PREVALENCE OF PINWORM INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN CU JUT COMMUNE, LAM DONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM, 2026

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection and associated factors among preschool children in Cu Jut Commune, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, in 2026. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 373 children aged 1-5 years old across Tam Thang and Tuoi Than Tien preschools from April to October 2026. Pinworm infection was diagnosed using the Graham adhesive tape method, while associated factors were collected via structured questionnaires. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance and clustered standard errors adjusted for 6 classes was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Results: Among the 373 children tested, 35 were positive for pinworm infection, yielding an overall prevalence of 9.38% (95% CI: 6.63-12.81). No statistically significant differences in infection rates were observed by sex, ethnicity, school type, or class grade. Five factors were independently associated with the infection: caregivers not dewormed in the preceding 6 months (aPR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.43-9.58); long/dirty fingernails >1 mm (aPR = 3.37; 95% CI: 2.30-4.95); thumb-sucking habit (aPR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.36-7.18); failure to wash hands with soap (aPR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.35-6.41); and infrequent washing of bed sheets and mats (aPR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.11-3.04); all with p < 0.05. Conclusion: The pinworm infection rate was 9.38%. Associated factors primarily involve personal hygiene, children’s behaviors, and household environmental sanitation. Keywords: Enterobius vermicularis; pinworm; Graham method; preschool children; associated factors; Cu Jut; Vietnam.