Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors: a cross-sectional survey of some school children in a suburb in Accra, Ghana

BMC Research Notes

Isaac Arthur¹  Kathrine Korkor Glover¹  Akua Obeng Forson¹  Michael Olu-Taiwo¹  Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi¹  Prince Jonathan Pappoe-Ashong² 

[1] Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana;Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana;

关键词: Children;    Parasitic infections;    Risk factors;    Giardia lamblia;    Accra;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13104-017-2802-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4–5 and 6–7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra.

【 授权许可】

Unknown