The program took place at PAUD Ebenhaezer Sentani and TK Diaspora Kotaraja, involving children aged 1–6 years, teachers, and parents. The initiative emphasized early prevention through education, basic health checks, and voluntary stool examinations.
Worm Infections Remain a Public Health Concern
Soil-transmitted helminth infections continue to affect millions of children worldwide, particularly in areas with warm climates and limited sanitation. Preschool-aged children are among the most vulnerable due to frequent contact with soil and inconsistent hygiene practices.
In Papua, environmental conditions such as high humidity and limited access to clean sanitation increase the risk of transmission. Untreated worm infections can impair physical growth, reduce cognitive development, cause anemia, and negatively affect children’s learning capacity.
School-Based Education and Health Screening
The Universitas Cenderawasih team implemented a school-based approach designed to be practical and child-friendly. Health education sessions were delivered using visual media, including posters, illustrated brochures, and educational videos, making the content accessible to children, teachers, and parents.
In addition to education, children underwent basic health assessments such as weight, height, body temperature, and general physical examinations. Parents were also informed about the importance of early detection through stool screening, even when children show no visible symptoms.
Out of 31 children who participated in the health checks, 10 children agreed to undergo stool examination. Laboratory analysis showed that all stool samples tested negative for worm eggs or larvae.
Key Findings from the Program
The main outcomes of the activity include:
- 40 participants involved, consisting of 31 children and 9 teachers or parents
- Most children were six years old and in generally good health
- All examined stool samples were negative for worm infections
- Participation in stool screening remained limited, involving only about one-third of the children
According to Grace Fitriana Primasari Hau Mahu of Universitas Cenderawasih, low participation in stool screening reflects a common perception that testing is unnecessary when children appear healthy. “In reality, worm infections often develop without clear early symptoms,” she explained.
Implications for Child Health Prevention
The program demonstrates that school-based health education can effectively raise awareness among teachers and parents about hygiene and worm infection prevention. However, the findings also highlight the need for sustained education to improve community acceptance of early screening practices.
This integrated model—combining education, basic health assessment, and community engagement—has strong potential for replication in other tropical regions facing similar sanitation challenges. It offers a practical framework for strengthening early childhood disease prevention strategies.
Author Profile
- Grace Fitriana Primasari Hau Mahu - Universitas Cendrawasih
- Elisa Nugraha Haryadi Salakay - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Samdei Carolina Rumbino - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Maryam Kathrien Labobar - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Agnes Supraptiwi Rahayu - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Try Purnamasari - Universitas Cenderawasih
Research Source
Mahu, G. F. P. H., Salakay, E. N. H., Rumbino, S. C., Labobar, M. K., Rahayu, A. S., & Purnamasari, T. (2026).
Preventing Worm Infections through Health Education and Stool Screening among Preschool Children in Jayapura, Papua.
Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 33–44.
DOI: 10.55927/jpmb.v5i1.576
Official URL: https://nblformosapublisher.org/index.php/jpmb
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