Identification of soil-transmitted helminth eggs in students’ fingernails using the flotation method
Keywords:
soil-transmitted helminth infection, fingernails, elementary school students, personal hygiene, flotation methodAbstract
Soil-transmitted helminth infection remains a persistent public health concern, particularly among school-aged children who are frequently exposed to contaminated environments and may have suboptimal personal hygiene practices. This study aimed to identify the presence of soil-transmitted helminth eggs in students’ fingernails at an elementary school in Bali, Indonesia. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 30 students selected through purposive sampling. Fingernail samples were collected and examined using the flotation method with saturated sodium chloride solution, followed by microscopic observation. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the distribution of positive and negative findings. The results showed that a small proportion of samples were positive for helminth eggs, with only Ascaris lumbricoides identified, while the majority of samples were negative. These findings suggest that although fingernails can serve as a potential medium for helminth transmission, the level of contamination in this population appears relatively low. Nevertheless, the presence of positive cases indicates the continued importance of maintaining proper personal hygiene, particularly handwashing and regular nail care. This study highlights the relevance of simple preventive measures and supports the role of school-based hygiene education in reducing the risk of helminth infection among children.
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