IPB University Faculty of Medicine Lecturer: Trivial Habits Can Trigger Worm Infections and Disrupt Child Development

Worm infection remains a health issue frequently experienced by children, particularly in tropical countries like Indonesia.

A lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine (FK) at IPB University, dr Yenny Rachmawati, MBiomed, stated that simple habits often considered trivial can serve as an entry point for parasitic worms into a child’s body. Playing in the soil without footwear or not washing hands before eating, for example.

“Worm infection is a parasitic worm infection that most often attacks the human digestive tract or intestines,” said dr Yenny in one of the IPB Podcast broadcasts on IPB TV’s YouTube channel.

She explained that children are the most vulnerable group because they do not yet possess good awareness regarding personal hygiene. Meanwhile, adults also remain at risk of infection, although the incidence rate is lower due to better hygiene awareness and stronger immune systems.

Indonesia itself is included as a worm-endemic country. dr Yenny mentioned that overall, around 20–30 percent of children in Indonesia are detected to have worm infections. Furthermore, in several remote regions, the prevalence can even reach 60–90 percent.

The types of worms that most frequently infect humans include roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms, whipworms, and pinworms, which are mostly transmitted through soil or environments contaminated with worm eggs.

Regarding symptoms, dr Yenny explained that worm infections often do not show signs in the early stages. “If the number of worms is still small, often there are no symptoms at all,” she clarified.

However, when the number of parasites increases, a child may experience malnutrition, anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, itching around the anus, and sleep disturbances. In severe conditions, worm infections can even cause intestinal blockage requiring surgical intervention.

Furthermore, dr Yenny also revealed that worm infections contribute to the risk of stunting. Malnutrition resulting from nutrients being absorbed by the worms can inhibit a child’s growth and lower their immune system, making the child more susceptible to other diseases.

Regarding prevention, she emphasized clean and healthy living behaviors, such as washing hands before eating, using footwear when active outdoors, and consuming clean and thoroughly cooked food.

In addition, the government has provided a deworming medication program every six months for free for all age groups as a long-term preventive measure.

“Do not underestimate worm infections. Prevention is far easier than treatment,” stated dr Yenny. (dr) (IAAS/HNF)