Social science implications for control of helminth infections in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Social science perspectives can inform helminth disease control in Southeast Asia. The social science literature offers theoretical and conceptual models; research methods; recommendations for training and capacity building, health education and health care professional training; and practice guidelines, including implementation of evidence-based interventions. Priority themes include poverty, gender differences, health inequities and access to social resources. Implications for helminth control include broadening disease monitoring and surveillance to include social and economic variables and subjective measures of well-being; training for health professionals and researchers in the social determinants of health; and application of social science models, specifically the expanded 'Chronic Care Model', to the planning and evaluation of interventions. The chapter posits that helminth diseases meet the World Health Organization's expanded definition of chronic conditions, and that integrated delivery of multiple interventions is needed to address the full range of risks and outcomes due to helminth infection.