Timika dataset.

BackgroundTrichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth (STH), infection is highly prevalent in children and, if not treated, can cause adverse health consequences. Microscopy using the Kato-Katz method is the mainstay of STH diagnosis in most settings but has low sensitivity. This study aims to quantify prevalence and examine risk factors of trichuriasis among children in a malaria-endemic area.MethodsThe study recruited 181 children aged ResultsThe prevalence of T. trichiura infections was 13.8% (25/181; 95%CI, 9.1–19.7) by Kato-Katz microscopy examination and 31.5% (57/181; 95%CI, 24.8–38.8) by qPCR analysis, increasing the prevalence by 17.7% (p = 0.0001). Children aged >3 years old had a 3 times increased risk of having trichuriasis compared to younger ones (aOR 3.29 [95%CI, 1.42–7.63], p = 0.006). Children with Hb ≤ 10 g/dL were 2 times more likely to have trichuriasis compared to those with Hb > 10 g/dL, (OR 2.46 [95%CI, 1.14–5.31], p = 0.020). Malaria prevalence was 9.9% (18/181; 95%CI, 6–15.3). Coinfections with malaria increased the risk of anaemia (OR 11.7 [95%CI, 2.0–67.0], p = 0.004. No apparent association was found between trichuriasis and undernutrition (wasting and stunting).ConclusionsThe prevalence of trichuriasis in under-five children is underestimated and together with malaria, the infections are associated with anaemia. Public health strategy should include STH prevention targeted to young children living in malaria-endemic areas.