Date of Publication

3-2026

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Jody M. Benedicto

Defense Panel Chair

Bridget C. Arellano

Defense Panel Member

Jessica Joyce R. De Guia
Mary Jane C. Flores

Abstract (English)

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a group of parasitic infections primarily affecting approximately 1.5 billion people in impoverished and deprived communities. In the Philippines, the infections are still prevalent. Zamboanga City, a highly urbanized city geographically grouped with Zamboanga del Sur, is recognized as a sentinel site for regular prevalence surveys due to the high burden of STH infections within the area. Hence, this study aimed to assess the current prevalence status and predict the potential future trends of STH infections in Zamboanga City. Also, the study aimed to correlate the occurrence with demographic factors such as age and sex by utilizing secondary data obtained from the Zamboanga City Health Office (ZCHO). A quantitative and correlational research design was employed in the study. A total of 4,343 fecal analyses were collected, in which 89 individuals were found infected (prevalence rate of 2.05%). Among age groups, patients aged from 13 to 29 years old (Gen Z) resulted in the highest infection count (56.18%) while also representing the largest portion of non-infected individuals (64.69%). Through the Wilson Score Method, age-standardized prevalence resulted in 10.85%, while crude prevalence may appear low, age-standardized prevalence suggests that the disease remains a noteworthy public health concern. However, statistical analysis showed that sex (p=0.83) and age were not strong independent predictors in this specific sample population. Potential seasonality was also observed with infections peaking in February while decreasing during summer months. The developed negative binomial regression model predicted a three-month forecasted period, showing a slight upward trend of infections with 8.9 cases for November 2025, 9.0 cases for December 2025, and 9.2 cases for January 2026. The findings of this study may serve as a baseline for the local government to develop policies and take the necessary actions that aid in mitigating STH infections.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Ang mga soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections ay isa sa mga pangunahing sanhi ng kronikong impeksyon sa mga napapabayaang komunidad dahil sa kakulangan ng hygiene practices at hindi maayos na pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran sa sanitasyon. Gamit ang secondary data na nakuha mula sa isang pribadong testing center, ang layunin ng pag-aaral na ito ay punan ang kakulangan sa updated na mapping sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga, lungsod na heograpikal na inuugnay sa Zamboanga del Sur, taong 2025 sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri sa prevalence status at ugnayan nito sa edad at kasarian. Ginamit sa pag-aaral ang quantitative at correlational research design. Sa populasyon ng 4,343 na indibidwal, 89 lamang ang mayroong impeksyon; nagresulta sa crude prevalence na 2.05%. Sa pamamagitan ng Wilson Score Method, ang age-standardized prevalence ay nagresulta sa 10.85%. Bagama't tila mababa ang crude prevalence, ipinahihiwatig ng age-standardized prevalence na ang datos na ito ay nananatiling isang mahalagang usapin sa pampublikong kalusugan. Sa mga pangkat ng edad, ang mga pasyenteng nasa ika-13 hanggang ika-29 na taong gulang (Gen Z) ang may pinakamataas na bilang ng impeksyon (56.18%) habang sila rin ang bumubuo sa pinakamalaking bahagi ng mga walang impeksyon (64.69%). Gayunpaman, ipinakita ng statistical analysis na ang kasarian (p=0.83) at edad ay hindi malakas na independent predictors sa partikular na populasyon ng sample na ito. Naobserbahan ang potensyal na seasonality kung saan ang mga impeksyon ay nasa pinakamataas na antas tuwing Pebrero habang bumababa sa mga buwan ng tag-init. Ang negative binomial regression model ay nag-forecast ng bahagyang pagtaas ng kaso para sa Nobyembre 2025 (8.9), Disyembre 2025 (9.0), at Enero 2026 (9.2). Gayunpaman, limitado ang resulta ng malawak na confidence intervals dahil sa 11-buwang timeframe at iisang data source. Inirerekomenda ang pagpapalawak ng saklaw ng data at pagpapatupad ng multi-sectoral collaboration upang maisalin ang mga natuklasang impormasyon sa mga konkretong interbensyon sa komunidad.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Helminths--Philippines--Zamboanga City

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Embargo Period

4-14-2026

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