THE GEOPHYSICAL PROFILE, SANITARY PRACTICES AND PREVELANCE OF HOOKWORM SPECIES, SCHISTOMAJAPONICUM AMONG M&rsquo;LANG NORTH COTABATO FARMERS

Avee Joy   B. Dayaganon,; Hanna Laureen  F. Deomampo,; Izobelle Primrose  A. Guarra,; Jayson  C. Pasaol,; Sharon  Tuberon,

THE GEOPHYSICAL PROFILE, SANITARY PRACTICES AND PREVELANCE OF HOOKWORM SPECIES, SCHISTOMAJAPONICUM AMONG M’LANG NORTH COTABATO FARMERS

Avee Joy B. Dayaganon | Hanna Laureen F. Deomampo | Izobelle Primrose A. Guarra | Jayson C. Pasaol | Sharon Tuberon

Abstract:

Some organisms may live the body of the host without causing any damage, but in most instances, they inflict damage to their host. Presence of these parasites brings daily discomfort to the infected. Most commonly, these parasitic infections are observable in areas that lack proper sanitation and have improper waste disposal, which aid in the transmission and life cycle of the parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the contributing factors of the Geophysical and Socio-cultural practices to the prevalence of Hookworm species, Schistosoma japonicum among farmers in the three barangays in Mlang, North Cotabato, namely, barangay Gaunan, barangay Lepaga and barangay Dugong. Fecal specimen of the respondents were examined using the Kato-katz and Formalin Ether Concentration Technique. Survey questionnaires were utilized and revealed that majority of the respondents that dwell in dry lands practiced minimal sanitation regarding proper food preparation and waste disposal. The results of diagnostic examination revealed that 92.31% of the respondents were positive for schistomiasis while 7.69% were infected with hookworms. The lack of proper sanitary practice may have contributed to the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and hookworms among the farmers of M’lang, North Cotabato.