Risk Factors Of Hookworm Infection Among Aborigines During Different Seasons In Malaysia

Hookworm infection threatens millions of people especially in tropical areas and has been a major public health concern. In Malaysia, hookworm infection is still a burden to the aborigines despite modernization. The actual factor of the never-ending hookworm infection among the aborigines should be ruled out to overcome the problem. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors in the acquisition of hookworm infection among the aboriginal community in Pahang, Malaysia during wet and dry seasons. Age less than or equal to 15 years old was found
to be the most significant risk factor to acquire hookworm infection during both seasons. Usage of stored river water for daily activities was found to be the risk factor to contract hookworm infection during the wet season. This study highlighted that a child has higher risk to acquire hookworm infection regardless of the seasonal variation. This could be due to the involvement in outdoor activities, which exposed them to the soil that contain hookworm larva. Usage of untreated water for daily activities was another risk, which highlighted that provision of safe, treated and clean water supply is very crucial in reducing the number of hookworm infection among the aborigines. Health education and improved sanitation are also important for the prevention and control of hookworm infection among the aboriginal community.

Keywords: Hookworm infection, aborigines, seasons, children, untreated water