Abstract
BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis, caused by both helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections, especially in developing countries. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique.ResultsOut of the 285 stool samples analysed, 94 (33%) were positive for the parasitosis. Presence of intestinal parasites was marginally more in rural school (44.6%) than in urban (30%) (P < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was highly prevalent (15.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica-like (7.7%), E. coli (7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.8%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.08%), respectively. Children of the age group 11–15 years were highly affected (44.2%) compared to younger age groups. The findings of intestinal parasitosis in the study population were statistically significant with family income, hand-washing habit, type of drinking water, and availability of a toilet facility at home (P < 0.05). Over 85% of infection was associated with parasitosis that indicated mainly waterborne infection rather than soil-borne helminths.ConclusionsPoor hygiene measures and farming occupation are identified as major risk factors of parasitic infections, so sanitation especially focusing on safe drinking water along with multi intervention strategies must be emphasized in the Saptari district of Nepal to reduce the burden of parasitic diseases in school children.
Highlights
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) associated with protozoa and helminths have been a common public health problem, in developing nations like Nepal [1], where children are more commonly infected resulting in both physical and mental retardation after the infection [2]
The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among school going children, has reduced significantly (61% in the late 1990s to around 20% during recent years) [13] and appears to be due to both deworming and improvement of sanitary as well as hygienic practice during this period. This has been attributed to the countrywide ‘open defecation free movement’ launched in 2010 by the government of Nepal [9]. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among school children of two public schools from the Saptari District of Rajbiraj Municipality and Mahadeva Village Development Committee, which is in the southern part of Nepal (Terai/plain area)
The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitosis among school children of Terai region which is considered poor in terms of sanitation and personal hygiene
Summary
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) associated with protozoa and helminths have been a common public health problem, in developing nations like Nepal [1], where children are more commonly infected resulting in both physical and mental retardation after the infection [2]. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among school going children, has reduced significantly (61% in the late 1990s to around 20% during recent years) [13] and appears to be due to both deworming and improvement of sanitary as well as hygienic practice during this period This has been attributed to the countrywide ‘open defecation free movement’ launched in 2010 by the government of Nepal [9]. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screwcapped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique
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