Related Experiment Videos
Prevalence and risk factors of parasitic infections among under-five Sudanese children: a community based study
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Insights
A community study found a 44% parasitic infestation rate in children under five in Khartoum. Giardiasis was most common, with higher infection rates in older children and those from illiterate, overcrowded families.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Parasitic infestations pose a significant health burden, particularly in vulnerable populations like young children.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of these infections is crucial for effective community health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of parasitic infestations in children under five years old in a police force community in Khartoum.
- To identify risk factors associated with parasitic infections in this population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based prospective study involving 300 children aged less than five years.
- Stool specimen examination was conducted on 298 children to detect parasitic ova and cysts.
- Data on household demographics and child health (malnutrition) were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A 44% prevalence rate of parasitic infestations was found, with 116 children infected with a single parasite and 15 with multiple.
- The most common infestations were Giardiasis (21.1%), Taeniasis (10.4%), and Enterobiasis (7.4%).
- Infection rates were higher in children aged 3 years and above, and associated with illiteracy, overcrowding, and large family size. Giardia lamblia showed a significant association with undernourished children.
Conclusions:
- Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in young children within the studied community.
- Risk factors such as age, socioeconomic status (illiteracy, overcrowding), and family size are significant.
- Targeted interventions focusing on hygiene, sanitation, and nutritional support are recommended, especially for Giardiasis in undernourished children.
Abstract:
A community based prospective study was conducted among randomly selected 300 children aged less than five years selected from three camps of the police force in Khartoum from 534 households representing a total population of 4962 individuals. The study was planned to determine the prevalence and type of parasitic infestations and the related risk factors in that community. From the 300 children, 298 stools specimens were examined: 116 were positive for a single parasite, while samples from 15 children showed ova and cysts for two types of parasites giving a prevalence rate of 44%. The commonest infestations were Giardiasis (21.1%), Taeniasis (10.4%) and Enterobiasis (7.4%). Non pathogenic E. coli, E. histolytica and Taenia saginata were detected in 2.7%, 0.7% and 1.7% of stools specimen respectively. Children aged between 3 years and above were the most affected group and the infection rate was highest among the illiterate, overcrowded and large sized families. Malnourished children comprised 9.4% of the study group but there was no significant association between undernutrition and the overall prevalence of intestinal infestations, although Giardia lamblia significantly affected the undernourished group.