Investigation of Factors Affecting Frequency of Intestinal Parasites in Primary School Students in an Urban Region in Turkey

Abstract

SUMMARYAim: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of intestinal parasitic diseases (IPD) and associated factors in primary school students and to assess the knowledge and practices of mothers about these diseases.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in January-March 2014 in 471 students aged 5-11 years, studying at 3 schools randomly selected from the city centre regions with different socioeconomic levels. Stratified sampling method was used in the present study and the data were collected in two stages. In the first stage, parents were informed about the study and pre-prepared questionnaire forms were used to collect the data about the students and parents. In the second stage, laboratory analyses of collected stool samples were performed.Results: The total prevalence of IPD was 18.3%, it was higher in the primary school located in a region with a lower socioeconomic level compared to other two schools (27.6% vs. 14.4%, and 10%, respectively). Most commonly detected parasite was E. vermicularis (12.1%). The prevalence of IPD was not associated with the classroom, gender, number of siblings, and the use of purified drinking water at home, while it was found to decrease with the increasing maternal education level. The maternal knowledge level score was 12.01 ± 4.29 vs. 13.41 ± 3.94 in students with and without IPD, respectively. With regard to the methods used to treat IPD, 23% of the mothers reported that they are using conventional methods.Conclusion: The health education programmes about the associated risk factors are of great importance for early detection and treatment of childhood parasitic infections.

Prevalence of Giardiasis and Entamoeba Species in Two of the Six Governorates of Kuwait

“…According to the WHO, over two billion people are currently harboring IPI throughout the world [46]. Poor deprived commu-nities with low socioeconomical and educational status, where improper waste and sewage management, poor hygienic habits, limited access to clean water supply, and ignorance of appropriate personal practices are more prone to IPI dissemination [42,45,[47][48][49][50][51]. In Kuwait and other Arabian Gulf countries, many expatriates and residents originate from these parts of the world thus implementing a great risk factor to the spread of intestinal parasites due to occupational nature [1,5,51].…”

The Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Children in Southwest Sumba Based on the Type of Water Sources

“…Osman et al [ 14 ] reported that the consumption of untreated water triples the risk of protozoal infections compared to water treated with chlorite. In addition, the consumption of uncooked fruits and vegetables after washing with contaminated water tends to also increase the risks of intestinal protozoan infections [ 23 ], as well as limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities such as toilets [ 24 ]. Similarly, extreme poverty and low economic level are also predictors for protozoal infections occurrence [ 25 26 ].…”

Prevalensi Infeksi Cacing Usus di Kawasan Pedesaan dan Perkotaan: Studi Berbasis Sekolah

“…9,10 Jakarta Barat merupakan daerah perkotaan (urban) dengan kepadatan penduduk tertinggi di provinsi DKI Jakarta. [11][12][13] Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui prevalensi infeksi cacing usus di daerah rural dan urban.…”