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Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasites in Cuban children

Meike Wördemann1, Katja Polman, Lenina T Menocal Heredia

  • 1Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. mwoerdemann@itg.be

Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|December 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasite infections remain common in Cuban children, linked to factors like sanitation and water sources. Higher parental education was associated with lower infection rates.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intestinal parasite infections pose a significant health burden, particularly in children.
  • Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in Cuban schoolchildren.
  • To identify associated environmental, sanitary, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Stool examinations were conducted on 1320 schoolchildren (aged 4-14).
  • Parental questionnaires gathered data on risk factors.
  • Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • Overall infection prevalence was 58% in Fomento and 45% in San Juan y Martínez.
  • Helminth infections were linked to lack of toilet facilities and unwashed fruit consumption.
  • Protozoa infections were associated with high maternal education.

Conclusions:

  • Paediatric intestinal parasite infections are prevalent in specific Cuban regions.
  • Environmental, socioeconomic, and sanitary factors significantly influence infection rates.
Abstract

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