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Intestinal parasitosis in school going children of Dharan municipality, Nepal

Narayan Gyawali1, Ritu Amatya, Hari Prasad Nepal

  • 1Department of Microbiology, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.

Tropical Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation
|March 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasitic infections affected 22.5% of primary school children in Nepal. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices were linked to higher infection rates, emphasizing the need for improved public health measures.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Children in primary schools are vulnerable to parasitic infections due to their environment and hygiene practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among primary school children in Dharan municipality, Nepal.
  • To identify risk factors associated with parasitic infections in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based study involving 182 primary school children (ages 4-10) in Dharan, Nepal (2007-2008).
  • Stool samples were analyzed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration methods.
  • Parental questionnaires collected data on predisposing factors, including socioeconomic status, sanitation, and hygiene.

Main Results:

  • An overall prevalence of 22.5% for intestinal parasitic infections was observed.
  • Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasite (11.5%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.4%).
  • Infection rates showed a significant correlation with socioeconomic status, toilet facilities, and handwashing practices (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Socioeconomic factors, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices are strongly associated with intestinal parasitic infections in school children.
  • Interventions focusing on improving sanitation, promoting hygiene education, and ensuring access to safe water are crucial for controlling parasitic infections.

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