Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among preschool and school children in Egypt

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health problems globally, particularly in developing countries like Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and risk factors associated with IPIs among preschool and school children in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 996 randomly selected preschool and school-aged children in Gharbia governorate during January to April 2018. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of the parasite by direct smear and the formol-ether concentration methods. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 46.2%. Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most predominant parasites (12.7% per each). This is followed by Enterobius vermicularis (8.6%), Giardia lamblia (7.1%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%), Heterophyes heterophyes (1.4%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Hookworms (0.6%), Fasciola hepatica (0.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.4%). Infected children with no symptoms (26.8%) were significantly (P < 0.001) more frequent than those with medical complaint (19.4%). Socio-demographic predictors of IPIs were preschool age (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001; 95%CI 3.3–7.3), living in rural dwellings (OR = 1.96; P < 0.001; 95%CI 1.5–2.5), and belonging to a low-income family (OR = 4.7; P < 0.001; 95%CI 2.3–9.3). The absence of safe drinking water, lack of hand washing (after soil contact, or before meals, or after toilet usage), and eating unwashed vegetables were risk factors for IPIs in the study region (OR = 1.3–6.9, P < 0.001 –P = 0.05). Higher odds for exposure to potential zoonotic parasites were evident in children with pets in their homes for G. lambia and D. caninum (OR = 2.1–8.3; P = 0.02 –P = 0.04), children having household reared ruminants for C. parvum (OR = 10.4; P < 0.001), and children that play with stray animals for E. histolytica and Hookworm (OR = 1.8–6.3; P = 0.04 –P = 0.05)compared to other children with no animal contact. The present study highlights the importance of periodic screening and treatment of IPIs in children, deworming companion animals, and public education for effective prevention of IPIs in children in Egypt.

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Human Intestinal Parasites: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Grade School Children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/6694809 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Kefale Shiferaw ◽

Teklemichael Tesfay ◽

Girmay Kalayu ◽

Gebrehiwot Kiros

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

School Children ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Single Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Grade School ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Associated Risk Factors

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in grade school children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia. Five species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 155 (40.4%). Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides 122 (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica 18 (4.7%) were predominant. Of the total 155 (40.4%) positive individuals, 149 (39%) had a single infection and the rest 6 (1.6%) had double parasitic infections. Of the different variables assessed, age, gender, shoe wearing, and eating raw or undercooked vegetables were not significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites ( P > 0.05 ). However, a statistically significant association ( P < 0.05 ) was observed between infected children and variables including defecation habit (AOR = 0.216), cleanliness of fingernails (AOR = 0.146), drinking river water (AOR = 0.124), and hand washing habit after defecation (AOR = 0.236) ( P < 0.05 ). Regular deworming, education on personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to both students and their parents shall be implemented to reduce the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections in the study area.

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Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in Bamo no. 2 primary school, Adele town, East Arsi, Ethiopia

Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine ◽

10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_36_18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 77

Author(s):

Beyene Dobo ◽

Mulumebet Tadesse ◽

Melese Birmeka

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Associated Risk Factors

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among the First-Cycle Primary Schoolchildren in Sasiga District, Southwest Ethiopia

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2020/8681247 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Baye Sitotaw ◽

Wakgari Shiferaw

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Low Income ◽

Family Income ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Southwest Ethiopia ◽

Primary Schoolchildren ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been major public health burdens in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Studies in different areas of Ethiopia have shown a high prevalence of IPIs in poor families. A similar study has not been conducted in Sasiga District given that the area is possibly at high-risk of IPIs due to the prevailing risk factors. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Sasiga District, southwest Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2018 to March 2019 to estimate the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among the study participants. A total of 383 children were selected using resident-type and grade-level stratified systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were examined microscopically using direct wet mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to get information on the associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and p value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of IPIs among the children was 62.4% (239/383). Single, double, and triple infections were 49.9%, 10.7%, and 1.83%, respectively. Residence, family income, place of defecation, source of drinking water, shoe-wearing habit, handwashing habit after toilet use, ways of waste disposal, and cleanliness of fingernail were the most important predictors of IPIs (p<0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides (22.7% (87/383)) and hookworms (20.6% (79/383)) were the most prevalent parasites, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (8.1%), Trichuris trichiura (7.6%), Giardia intestinalis (6.5%), Hymenolepis nana (5.7%), and Schistosoma mansoni (4.4%), in that order. Sasiga District primary schoolchildren are likely at a high burden of IPIs. Intensive health education on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is needed.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Risk Factors among School Children in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/3974156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Elizabeth Njambi ◽

Dennis Magu ◽

Janet Masaku ◽

Collins Okoyo ◽

Sammy M. Njenga

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

School Children ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Home And School ◽

At Home

School children bear a significant burden of intestinal parasitic infections. Because they spend most of their time at home and school, it is necessary to identify the key water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors associated with these infections in both environments. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County. 180 primary school children aged 8–14 years were randomly selected from three schools (Mianya, Mbui Njeru, and Mukou primary schools). Questionnaires and checklists were administered and single stool samples were collected. Stool samples were microscopically examined for Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, and protozoan infections. Data on WASH were obtained at home and school. The factors significantly associated with S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections in the school children were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models reporting the odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 70.5% (95% CI: 59.1–84.3) and 32.7% (95% CI: 26.8–40.1), respectively. Only one case of STH (A. lumbricoides) was identified. The prevalence of coinfections of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.2–27.1). An increased prevalence of S. mansoni infection was associated with children above 12 years (aOR = 3.19, p=0.015), those in Mianya primary (aOR = 1.23, p=0.001), those in Mukou primary (aOR = 3.19, p=0.001), and reported behavior of wearing shoes at home (aOR = 1.67, p=0.010). However, handwashing behavior after defecation at home (aOR = 0.39, p=0.001) was protective against S. mansoni infection. For any protozoan infection, male children had increased odds of infection (aOR = 2.41, p=0.001) while use of wiping material (aOR = 0.55, p=0.019) and water contact (aOR = 0.32, p=0.001) was protective against intestinal protozoa infections. Infections with S. mansoni and any protozoa and their coinfection were present. Findings revealed that several hygiene factors were protective against infections while other were risk factors. Therefore, deworming should be complemented with behavior education on hygienic habits.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk factors among School children in Adigrat town, Northern Ethiopia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EMERGING TRENDS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ◽

10.18535/ijetst/v4i1.03 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 04 (01) ◽

pp. 4943-4948 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dinku Senbeta Maru ◽

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

School Children ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Associated Risk Factors

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Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases and Schistosomiasis in Preschool Age Children in Mwea Division, Kirinyaga South District, Kirinyaga County, and Their Potential Effect on Physical Growth

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/1013802 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Stephen Sifuna Wefwafwa Sakari ◽

Amos K. Mbugua ◽

Gerald M. Mkoji

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Physical Growth ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Intestinal Helminth ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Anthropometric Indices ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Preschool Age Children

Intestinal parasitic infections can significantly contribute to the burden of disease, may cause nutritional and energetic stress, and negatively impact the quality of life in low income countries of the world. This cross-sectional study done in Mwea irrigation scheme, in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, assessed the public health significance of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), schistosomiasis, and other intestinal parasitic infections, among 361 preschool age children (PSAC) through fecal examination, by measuring anthropometric indices, and through their parents/guardians, by obtaining sociodemographic information. Both intestinal helminth and protozoan infections were detected, and, among the soil-transmitted helminth parasites, there were Ascaris lumbricoides (prevalence, 3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (<1%), and Trichuris trichiura (<1%). Other intestinal helminths were Hymenolepis nana (prevalence, 3.6%) and Enterobius vermicularis (<1%). Schistosoma mansoni occurred at a prevalence of 5.5%. Interestingly, the protozoan, Giardia lamblia (prevalence, 14.7%), was the most common among the PSAC. Other protozoans were Entamoeba coli (3.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (<1). Anthropometric indices showed evidence of malnutrition. Intestinal parasites were associated with hand washing behavior, family size, water purification, and home location. These findings suggest that G. lamblia infection and malnutrition may be significant causes of ill health among the PSAC in Mwea, and, therefore, an intervention plan is needed.

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Assessment of prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition and anemia among school children in Ghindae area, Eritrea

10.1101/2020.03.30.20042523 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yafet Kesete ◽

Huruy Tesfahiwet ◽

Ghimja Fessehaye ◽

Yohana Kidane ◽

Yafet Tekle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

School Children ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections, anemia, and malnutrition are very endemic in resource-limited regions. School-aged children are at greater risk for the disease than any other age group as they are more susceptible to parasitosis, associated undergrowth and anemia. This study is aimed at evaluating the risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 450 children were randomly selected for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal concentration technique and blood specimen was collected for the assessment of hemoglobin using hemocue analyzer.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoa infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthes infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections has statistically significant association with the residence area, washing habits, source of water, types of schools and type of latrine used with (p < 0.05). The prevalence of malnutrition was 37.1% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in semi-urban areas outside Ghindae. Students from Embatkala and Dongolo had 4.77 and 2.86 times higher odds of having low BMI for age than their counterpart respectively. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which, 7.6 % had mild while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, especially, protozoan infection was very high in the school children. Stunting was increased rate in rural areas around Ghindae. The prevalence of anemia was regarded as mild health burden. The high prevalence of parasitic infections in these children indicates that the protozoa and helminthes concerned are very common in the environment of these area and results of the risk factors analysis suggest that the transmission is from several routes. Access to clean water and latrines, with some hygiene and sanitation communication activities, in addition to introduction of micronutrient programs could improve health of children in that area.

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