Parasitosis: a study among Nepali children in the district of Darjeeling

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Parasitology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in school-aged children.
• Socioeconomic and educational factors often influence the prevalence and transmission of these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of parasitic infestations among school-going children in the Nepali community of Darjeeling.
• To identify common types of parasitic infections and their combinations.
• To investigate the association between maternal education and worm infestation rates.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 370 school-going children aged 5-10 years.
• Data on parasitic infestation were collected and analyzed.
• Statistical methods were used to assess the association with maternal educational status.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of parasitic infestation was 51.4%, with 28.2% single and 23.2% multiple parasitism.
• Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common single infestation (31.73%).
• The Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura combination was most prevalent in multiple parasitisms (36.05%).
• A significant inverse relationship was found between maternal educational status and worm infestation rates.
• Mothers demonstrated limited knowledge regarding the transmission (19.73%) and prevention (18.91%) of worm infestations.

Conclusions:

• Parasitic worm infestation is highly prevalent in this population of school children.
• Higher maternal education is associated with a reduced risk of worm infestation in children.
• There is a critical need to improve parental knowledge on the transmission and prevention of parasitic infections.