Recurrent wheezing is associated with intestinal protozoan infections in Warao Amerindian children in Venezuela: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background The rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has been associated with an enormous expansion of building programs in its cities and in the provision of new service industries. This in turn has attracted a large influx of immigrant workers seeking employment in jobs associated with food handling, domestic service, and the building industry. Many of these immigrants come from countries in the tropics and subtropics where intestinal parasitic infections are common. In this study, we explored the environmental and socio-demographic characteristics of immigrant workers in Doha Qatar, which might explain the persistence of the parasites that they harbor. Methodology This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2486 newly arrived immigrant workers and those who visited Qatar previously during the period 2012–2014. Through questionnaires and census data, we characterized the socio-demographic conditions at an individual, family, and neighborhood levels. Results Overall, the prevalence of combined protozoan infection was 11.7% and that of helminth was 7.0%. Combined protozoan infections were significantly associated with immigrant workers arriving in Doha for the first time. In univariate log-linear statistical models fitted in phase 1 of the analysis, significant associations were observed between the prevalence of combined protozoan infections and personal and familial factors that included religion, the level of education of subjects, both parents’ educational levels and their jobs, and the number of siblings. Furthermore, environmental effects on the prevalence of protozoan infections including the country of origin, the floor of the house, toilet type, household content index, provision of household water, farming background showed strong associations with protozoan infections. However, in phase 2, multifactorial binary logistic generalized linear models focusing only on the significant effects identified in phase 1, showed that only five factors retained significance (age class, floor of the house, household contents index, father’s education, and the number of siblings). The only factors that had a significant effect on the prevalence of helminth infections were the subjects’ age class and the mother’s educational level. Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among immigrant workers in Qatar is clearly multifactorial in origin determined by key familial relationships of subjects and also the environment, in which the subjects lived prior to their arrival in Qatar. Moreover, our results suggest that screening protocols for applicants for visas/work permits need to be revised giving more careful attention to the intestinal protozoan infections that potential immigrant workers may harbor.

Download Full-text

Identifikasi Protozoa Usus Oportunistik dan Faktor Risikonya Pada Anak Panti Asuhan Kota Pekanbaru

Jurnal Ilmu Kedokteran ◽

10.26891/jik.v13i2.2019.55-62 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 55

Author(s):

Esy Maryanti ◽

M. Reyhan Ahza Hamidy ◽

Lilly Haslinda

Keyword(s):

Analytical Study ◽

Immunocompromised Patients ◽

Food Hygiene ◽

Defense System ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Intestinal Protozoan ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protozoan Infections ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Opportunistic intestinal protozoa are protozoa that can infect humans at a time when the body’s defense system isdeclining (immunocompromising). Opportunistic protozoan infections are infections by intestinal protozoa that werenot previously considered important, but now can cause disease in humans. Opportunistic intestinal protozoan infectionsbesides being found in immunocompromised patients are also reported to infect children. Some of the intestinalprotozoan species that have been identified to cause infection are Cryptosporidium sp, Isospora belii, Cyclospora sp,and Blastocystis hominis. This study was an analytical study with a cross sectional design conducted in June 2018until January 2019. In this study, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used and the results were 25.6% of orphanagesinfected with opportunistic intestinal protozoa, which consisted of Cryptosporidium sp. as much as 14.1%, Blastocystishominis as much as 4.6%, infection with a mixture of Cryptosporidium sp and Blastocystis hominis as much as 4.6%,Isospora belii as much as 2.3%, and no infection by Cyclospora cayetanensis. There was no association betweenopportunistic intestinal protozoan infections with poor handwashing habits, bowel habits, food hygiene, drinkingwater treatment, and bad animal raising habits.

Download Full-text

Parental Perceptions and Practices toward Childhood Asthma

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/6364194 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Amani K. Abu-Shaheen ◽

Abdullah Nofal ◽

Humariya Heena

Keyword(s):

Parental Education ◽

Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽

Pediatric Emergency ◽

Hereditary Disease ◽

Parental Perceptions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Recurrent Wheezing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Asthma Attack ◽

Study Interval

Introduction. Parental perceptions and practices are important for improving the asthma outcomes in children; indeed, evidence shows that parents of asthmatic children harbor considerable misperceptions of the disease.Objective.To investigate the perceptions and practices of parents toward asthma and its management in Saudi children.Methods. Using a self-administered questionnaire, a two-stage cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged between 3 and 15 years, was conducted from schools located in Riyadh province in central Saudi Arabia.Results. During the study interval, 2000 parents were asked to participate in the study; 1450 parents responded, of whom 600 (41.4%) reported that their children had asthma, dyspnea, or chest allergy (recurrent wheezing or coughing), while 478 (32.9%) of the parents reported that their children were diagnosed earlier with asthma by a physician. Therefore, the final statistical analyses were performed with 600 participants. Furthermore, 321 (53.5%) respondents believed that asthma is solely a hereditary disease. Interestingly, 361 (60.3%) were concerned about side effects of inhaled corticosteroids and 192 (32%) about the development of dependency on asthma medications. Almost 76% of parents had previously visited a pediatric emergency department during an asthma attack.Conclusions. Parents had misperceptions regarding asthma and exhibited ineffective practices in its management. Therefore, improving asthma care and compliance requires added parental education.

Download Full-text

Effects of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoan Infections on Haemoglobin Levels among School-Aged Children in Belo and Bui, North West Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2021/8873555 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Frederick Nchang Cho ◽

Humphrey Ngala Ngala ◽

Ranibell Tung Bongazi ◽

Rogers Sanga Kinsam ◽

Beltha Tahnteng Tata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Intestinal Protozoan ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

North West ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Protozoan Infections

Introduction. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a public health problem worldwide especially in low-income countries. Soil-transmitted helminths are known to affect both growth and haemoglobin levels. In this study, we determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and explored its association with anaemia in school-aged children (SAC). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst pupils selected from 18 primary schools in four communities of the North West Region. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques, while finger prick was performed for the measurement of haemoglobin with a haemoglobinometer. Results. The results showed significant variation of STHs, intestinal protozoan prevalence, and anaemia between age, sex, and communities. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms was 15.1%, 0.8%, and 2%, respectively, with an overall STH prevalence of 18.3% across the four communities. Soil-transmitted helminths were more prevalent in Mbessa (30.2%) in comparison to Nkor (26.7%), Djottin (17.5%), and Kumbo (9.6%) communities. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was 25.4% and Giardia duodenalis (6.9%), with an overall intestinal protozoa prevalence of 31% across the four communities. The prevalence of anaemia in the study population was 23.1%. Conclusion. Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoan infections, and anaemia are prevalent in the study area. Anaemia was observed to be associated with STH, intestinal protozoa, and the communities under study. This study recommends continuous deworming and health education on personal sanitation and environmental sanitation.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Protozoan Infections among the Tea Estates Workers of Ilam District, Nepal

Journal of Health Science Research ◽

10.18311/jhsr/2016/v1/i1/4492 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

R. B. Sah ◽

U Shah ◽

N Jha

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Intestinal Protozoan ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nail Biting ◽

Protozoan Infection ◽

Protozoan Infections ◽

Tea Garden

Introduction: Intestinal protozoan infections continue to remain a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Since diagnosis of these parasites is difficult, prevalence data on intestinal protozoa is scarce. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of intestinal Protozoan Infections and to identify risk factors associated with Protozoan Infections among the tea garden workers in Ilam district of Nepal. Materials and Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among tea garden workers in Ilam district of Nepal. Out of 4 tea estates in Ilam District, 2 tea estates (Ilam Municipality and Kanyam) were selected randomly. Out of total 150 tea workers (30 in Ilam Municipality and 120 in Kanyam), 98 workers participated in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used and routine examination of stool was done. Collected data was entered in Microsoft excel and analysed. Results: Prevalence of protozoan infections among the Tea Estates workers of Ilam District was 22.4%. Giardia lamblia was seen higher (12.2%) than Entamoeba histolytica (10.2%). Regarding ethnicity, the protozoan infection was seen higher among Dalit (40%) than Janajati (18.8%) and Brahmin/Chhetri (11.1%) (P<0.05). The protozoan infections was seen lower who use of soap and water after defecation (6.2%) than those using only water (60%) (P<0.001). The protozoan infections was also seen lower who wear sandals or shoes (17.3%) than those did not wear (47.1%) (P<0.05). The protozoan infection was seen higher among those having the habit of nail biting and thumbs sucking. Conclusions: There is relatively high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among the Tea garden workers in Ilam District of Nepal. This obviously suggests that there is possible poor personal hygiene, sanitation, and behavior oriented risk factors which predispose the workers to these parasites.

Download Full-text

A Study of Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among the School Children of Itahari, Eastern Region of Nepal

Journal of Chitwan Medical College ◽

10.3126/jcmc.v3i1.8463 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 32-36

Author(s):

Ram Bilakshan Sah ◽

IS Paudel ◽

R Baral ◽

P Poudel ◽

N Jha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

School Children ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

School Age Children ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Intestinal Protozoan ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nail Biting ◽

Protozoan Infection ◽

Protozoan Infections

Intestinal parasites, notably the protozoa are among the most common infections of school age children where they cause morbidity in developing countries.The objective of the study was to measure the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection and to identify risk factors associated with protozoan infection among the school children of Itahari.The cross sectional study was conducted in Grade VI, VII and VIII in schools of Itahari Municipality. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the study subjects and microscopic examination of stool was done.The Chi-square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and intestinal protozoan infections.Overall intestinal protozoan infection was found to be 18.5 percent. Giardia lamblia was found high (10.5%) in comparison to Entamoeba histolytica (8%). Almost (18.4%) of male and (18.6%) of female were infected with protozoan parasites. The use of soap and water after defecation had lower prevalence of protozoan infections (16%) than only use of water (28.9%). The protozoan infection was significantly lower among having clean nail (6%) in comparison to having not clean (24.8%) respectively. We conclude that the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was found to be high in school children of Itahari and those having unhygienic skin, nail and clothes, and the habit of nail biting and thumb sucking was found to have significant relationship in the causation of intestinal protozoan infection. Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(1): 32-36 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i1.8463

Download Full-text

The incidence, intensity and host morbidity of human parasitic protozoan infections in gastrointestinal disorder outpatients in Buea Sub Division, Cameroon

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.82 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 (01) ◽

pp. 038-043 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Judith Veshiyi Mbuh ◽

Helen N. Ntonifor ◽

James T. Ojong

Keyword(s):

Infection Rate ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Systemic Disease ◽

Gastrointestinal Disorder ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Protozoan ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Total Prevalence ◽

Protozoan Infections

Background: Numerous protozoans inhibit the gastrointestinal tract of humans with the majority being either non-pathogenic commensals or of a type that may result in mild disease. However, some of these organisms can cause severe diseases under certain circumstances while others may become highly virulent and invasive causing potentially lethal systemic disease. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity and host morbidity of human intestinal protozoan infections in individuals living in the Buea Sub-Division, Cameroon. Methodology: Random sampling was used to collect stool samples from 356 patients in a cross-sectional study. All samples were examined by formol-ether concentration and direct smear techniques. Data collected was analyzed and differences in proportions were determined using the Chi square (χ2) test, Fisher's exact test, or analysis of variance where appropriate. Results: It was found that 28.1% (100/356) of the sampled population were infected with protozoans. Females showed a higher infection rate (29.7%; 56/182) than males (26.4%; 46/174) and there was a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence in rural areas (38.7%; 55/142) than in urban areas (21.0%; 45/214). The 6 to 12 years age group had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher infection rate (42.9%; 30/70). The total prevalence of intestinal protozoans was as follows: E. histolytica (24.4%), E. coli (11.2%) and G. lamblia (0.6%). The most prevalent morbidity effects associated with intestinal protozoan infections were abdominal pains, dysentery and body weakness. Conclusions: Since human intestinal parasitic infections are high in the study area, mass treatment of people with intestinal protozoans is strongly recommended, especially in the rural areas where the prevalence was very high.

Download Full-text

Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 82-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bob Lew ◽

Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽

Yanzheng Liu ◽

Mansor Abu Talib ◽

Olga Mitina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Strain Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Strains ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conﬂicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

Download Full-text

Fit and Congruency

Journal of Personnel Psychology ◽

10.1027/1866-5888/a000233 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 148-156

Author(s):

Mary Hogue ◽

Lee Fox-Cardamone ◽

Deborah Erdos Knapp

Keyword(s):

Role Theory ◽

Social Role ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Job Fit ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Working Adults ◽

Role Congruity ◽

Self Selection ◽

Selection Of

Abstract. Applicant job pursuit intentions impact the composition of an organization’s applicant pool, thereby influencing selection outcomes. An example is the self-selection of women and men into gender-congruent jobs. Such self-selection contributes to a lack of gender diversity across a variety of occupations. We use person-job fit and the role congruity perspective of social role theory to explore job pursuit intentions. We present research from two cross-sectional survey studies (520 students, 174 working adults) indicating that at different points in their careers women and men choose to pursue gender-congruent jobs. For students, the choice was mediated by value placed on the job’s associated gender-congruent outcomes, but for working adults it was not. We offer suggestions for practitioners and researchers.

Download Full-text