Published in PLOS One on 2025-11-14, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Coverage and determinants of deworming uptake among under-five children in Somalia: A multilevel analysis of the 2020 SDHS data
Original authors: Abdirahman Omer Ali, Awo Mohamed Kahie, Muhyadin Yusuf Dahir, Suhaib Mohamed Kahie, Abdisalam Mahdi Hassan, Md. Moyazzem Hossain
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0336429
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a major public health concern in Somalia, particularly affecting the health and development of children under five. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the coverage of deworming uptake and identify associated multilevel factors with deworming uptake among Somali children aged 12–59 months using a Multilevel logistic regression model.
This study analyzed data of 15,074 children aged 12–59 months from the 2020 Somalia Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS). Chi-square test and multilevel logistic regression were used to examine individual (maternal/child characteristics, health service use) and community (residence, region) factors associated with non-receipt of deworming medication (poor uptake).
Only 8.0% of children had received deworming medication, indicating critically low national coverage. The variations of poor deworming uptake among children of different ages in months were 92.91% between 12–15 months, 91.75% between 16–19 months, and 91.26% between 20–59 months. Poor deworming uptake was varied among maternal age groups, with rates of 92.10% (15–24 years), 91.89% (25–34 years), and 91.60% (35–49 years). Findings depict that significant regional variations existed. Better uptake was associated with higher maternal age and education, greater wealth, maternal employment, health facility delivery, and urban/nomadic residence (vs. rural). Residing in urban (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.82, p < 0.05) or nomadic areas (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.49, p < 0.05) was significantly associated with lower odds of poor uptake compared to rural areas. Unexpectedly, children without recent episodes of diarrhea had significantly higher odds of not receiving deworming treatment (AOR = 6.26).
Low deworming coverage among under-5 children in Somalia is observed. Factors include higher maternal education, greater wealth, health facility delivery, urban or nomadic residence compared to rural, and older child age are significantly associated with deworming coverage. To improve the deworming coverage, organizing school-based campaigns and deploying mobile health teams for door-to-door visits in remote areas may be useful.
Introduction
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, primarily caused by roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale), represent a major global public health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. Transmission occurs through ingestion or skin penetration of eggs or larvae present in contaminated soil, often linked to inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and lack of access to clean water [2]. Children under the age of five are especially susceptible due to their developing immune systems, frequent contact with soil during play, and poorer hygiene habits [3]. Chronic STH infections in this age group can lead to a cascade of detrimental health consequences, including malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, impaired cognitive development, and reduced physical fitness, thereby hindering their overall well-being and future potential [4,5] Deworming, the periodic administration of safe and effective anthelmintic drugs (like albendazole or mebendazole), is a cornerstone public health intervention recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to control STH morbidity through preventive chemotherapy (PC) programs targeting high-risk groups, including preschool-aged children [6]. For children under five, the critical window for growth and development, STH infections inflict damage that can last a lifetime, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health [7,8]. While effective and affordable treatments exist, delivering them to all eligible children—particularly in fragile settings like Somalia—remains a significant challenge [9]. Understanding the reach and determinants of deworming programs is not merely an academic exercise; it is fundamental to safeguarding the health and developmental trajectory of millions of children, unlocking their potential to thrive and contribute to their communities [4,10], and addressing this preventable condition is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development goals related to child health and well-being [11].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2025 Abdirahman Omer Ali, Awo Mohamed Kahie, Muhyadin Yusuf Dahir, Suhaib Mohamed Kahie, Abdisalam Mahdi Hassan, Md. Moyazzem Hossain. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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