Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations among children resident in hostel/orphanage

Abstract

Background :  Intestinal worm infestation is one of the    major childhood health problem in  developing countries. Soil transmitted  helminths (STH) infects nearly 2 billion people of world’s population with  children being  the most               affected. STH infections are often  associated with  reduced cognitive abilities, intellectual capacity, stunted growth,         underweight  and poor school performance. Objectives : To estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with             intestinal worm infestation among asymptomatic school going children staying in a hostel/orphanage. Materials  and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the asymptomatic school going children staying in hostel/orphanage. A total of 102 stool samples were            examined by both macroscopy and  microscopically using normal saline and Lugol’s iodine preparation after                  Formol-ether sedimentation technique. Results : A  total of 102 children between age of 5-15 years were included in this study. The overall prevalence of helminthic parasitic infestation was 8.8% (9/102) . Among the positive                  helminthic infection (n=9), all are single parasitic  infection. The most common type of parasitic helminth found was Ancylostomaduodenale (n=5)5%, followed by                          Ascarislumbricoides (n=2) 1.9% and Trichuristrichiura(n=2) 1.9%. No mixed type of  parasitic infestation was detected. Conclusion : Though the prevalence rate of worm                     infestation was low, this study  provides, the awareness of soil transmitted helminth infestation among school children residing in orphanage/hostel premises  that may decrease/eradicate worm infestation. Implementation of good                   personal hygiene practices, continuing health education and mass drug administration programme periodically by giving                       Albendazole among school children  are emphasized.