Market integration and soil-transmitted helminth infection among the Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador.

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.

Methods

Kato-Katz fecal smears were used to determine STH infecti

SUBMITTER: Gildner TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7394393 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature