Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors in primary school children, Lahore. (30th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdul Latif, A; Butt, A; Mansha, M; Fatima, S; Farooq, A
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 30(2020)Supplement 5
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.685
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Intestinal parasites are the major reasons for deaths all over the world especially in the third world. Poverty, poor sanitation, unclean drinking water, moist environment are the conditions for these parasitic ailments. Poor personal hygiene among children is considered an effective cause of parasitic invasion. In present study the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their associated risk factors were determined among the school children of Lahore. A total of 150 faecal samples were collected from the children of 3-15 years of age belonging to Private and Government Schools. Different techniques like Direct smear method, Formalin ether concentration, Sedimentation and McMaster were used to identify different stages of intestinal parasites. The parasites found were Giardia lamblia (4.66%), Entamoeba histolytica (3.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.66%), Taenia saginata (4%), Hymenolepis nana (2%), Trichuris trichura (2.66%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4%). A. lumbricoides was found to the most frequent of all parasites. The prevalence was higher among the children, with poor hygiene, having lack of education especially of mothers because they play a big role in child's upbringing and maintaining his good health. Educating cleanness alertness on parasitic diseases and application of helpful strategies for parents to raise socioeconomic circumstances may decrease the load of infection. Key messages: Educating cleanness alertness on parasitic diseases and application of helpful strategies for parents to raise socioeconomic circumstances may decrease the load of infection. Health is Wealth.