Sarcouncil Journal of Internal Medicine and Public Health

Abstract: Objective: To determine the current status and describe the epidemiological characteristics of soil-transmitted helminth infections among residents in Ea Ngai Commune, Krong Buk District, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2024 on 352 individuals from 132 households selected using a systematic random sampling method. Results: The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections at the study site was 27.84%. The prevalence rates of hookworm infection, ascariasis, and trichuriasis were 26.99%, 5.97%, and 1.70%, respectively. Most infections were of light intensity, and single infections accounted for the majority of cases (75.51% of infected individuals). Epidemiological analysis showed that the prevalence among ethnic minority groups (46.79%) was 2.42 times higher than that among the Kinh population (19.34%) (p < 0.01). Farmers had the highest infection rate (37.26%), and individuals older than 15 years exhibited a significantly higher prevalence compared with those under 15 years of age (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Soil-transmitted helminth infections in Ea Ngai Commune remain a public health concern, particularly hookworm infections. Strengthening health education and communication, improving environmental sanitation, and implementing periodic deworming programs for the community are necessary.