Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4–5 and 6–7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra.
Highlights
Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a global health burden in many developing countries [1]
In Australia, some children and adults living in an Aboriginal community have been reported to have parasitic infection (89%) [5]
Whilst in China diarrhea associated parasitic infection have been reported in kindergarten and primary school children [6], in Nepal, children (4–12 years) have been reported to have parasitic infection (31.13%) [4]
Summary
Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a global health burden in many developing countries [1]. Parasitic diseases cause over 33% deaths globally [2]. Overcrowding, lack of clean water, and poor personal hygiene with weak nutritional status in children are known to be risk factors [3, 4]. Prevalence of parasitic infections in children has been found to vary in different countries. In Australia, some children and adults living in an Aboriginal community have been reported to have parasitic infection (89%) [5]. Whilst in China diarrhea associated parasitic infection have been reported in kindergarten and primary school children [6], in Nepal, children (4–12 years) have been reported to have parasitic infection (31.13%) [4]
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