Abstract:
We studied the prevalence and risk factors for pinworm infection in
children attending the kindergarten of Thammasat University, Pathum Thani,
Thailand, using the Scotch-tape technique. Slides were examined by a standard
light microscope; 20% of negative slides were reexamined for quality control. Symptoms and risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Three
hundred thirty children age 3 to 6 years old were sampled (males=159). Sixty-five
(19.7%) had symptoms consistent with pinworm infection. No pinworm eggs were
detected. Most parents (73%) had a good socioeconomic status and 64% were
university graduates. Pinworm infection may be uncommon in urban Thailand.
