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Prevalence and risk factors of parasitic infections among under-five Sudanese children: a community based study

Z A Karrar1, F A Rahim

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Khartoum, Sudan.

East African Medical Journal
|February 1, 1995
PubMed

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.

Keywords:
AfricaAge FactorsArab CountriesBiologyChildDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesMeasurementNorthern AfricaParasitic DiseasesPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPrevalenceProspective StudiesResearch MethodologyResearch ReportRisk FactorsStudiesSudanUrban PopulationYouth

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