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Market integration and soil-transmitted helminth infection among the Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador.
- Source :
-
PloS one [PLoS One] 2020 Jul 31; Vol. 15 (7), pp. e0236924. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jul 31 (Print Publication: 2020). - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have many negative health outcomes (e.g., diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies) that can also exacerbate poverty. These infections are generally highest among low-income populations, many of which are also undergoing market integration (MI; increased participation in a market-based economy). Yet the direct impact of MI-related social and environmental changes on STH infection patterns is poorly understood, making it unclear which lifestyle factors should be targeted to better control disease spread. This cross-sectional study examines if household infrastructure associated with greater MI is associated with lower STH burdens among Indigenous Ecuadorian Shuar.<br />Methods: Kato-Katz fecal smears were used to determine STH infection status and intensity (n = 620 participants; 308 females, 312 males, aged 6 months-86 years); Ascaris lumbricoides (ascarid) and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) were the primary infection types detected. Structured interviews assessing lifestyle patterns (e.g., measures of household infrastructure) measured participant MI. Multilevel regression analyses and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models tested associations between MI measures and STH infection status or intensity, controlling for individual and community characteristics.<br />Results: Participants residing in more market-integrated households exhibited lower infection rates and intensities than those in less market integrated households. Parasite infection status and T. trichiura infection intensity were lower among participants living in houses with wood floors than those with dirt floors, while individuals using well or piped water from a spring exhibited lower A. lumbricoides infection intensities compared to those using river or stream water. Unexpectedly, latrine type was not significantly related to STH infection status or intensity. These results suggest that sources of exposure differ between the two helminth species.<br />Conclusions: This study documents associations between household measures and STH infection among an Indigenous population undergoing rapid MI. These findings can help healthcare programs better target interventions and reduce STH exposure among at-risk populations.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Animals
Ascariasis epidemiology
Ascariasis transmission
Ascaris lumbricoides isolation & purification
Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ecuador epidemiology
Family Characteristics
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Middle Aged
Population Groups statistics & numerical data
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Sanitation statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
Toilet Facilities statistics & numerical data
Trichuriasis epidemiology
Trichuriasis transmission
Trichuris isolation & purification
Young Adult
Feces parasitology
Helminthiasis epidemiology
Helminthiasis transmission
Poverty statistics & numerical data
Soil parasitology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1932-6203
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- PloS one
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32735608
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236924