Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in children
Abstract
The following study sought to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in two Children and Family Care Centres in Montevideo and learn about the presence of certain risk factors linked to parasitosis. This is an observational, descriptive study whose target population comprises an age range between 1 and 4 years. The data was collected by handing forms to parents or legal guardians, who completed them after agreeing to participate in the study. They were also provided with relevant information for proper sampling at home, in addition to materials for stool samples and scotch tape testing.
The statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 7 Software. Fisher’s test was used to define a p < 0.05 as statistically significant. 56 children were involved (43%) and 31 samples (55%) were obtained; 5 (16,1%) were positive. The parasites found were Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis and Blastocystis hominis. The p was statistically significant (p = 0.042) compared to hand washing less than 5 times a day and the presence of parasitosis. Overcrowding is the most common risk factor in
the population studied. We conclude that education should insist on frequent hand washing and other hygiene habits. We believe that this work can be used in the future as a reference for further research
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