Intestinal Parasitic Infections of Preschool Children

This study is about the incidence of intestinal parasitic infections of preschool children in Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City. Profiles of the respondents were taken as to gender, location of residence, educational attainment of parents and number of siblings in the family. These variables were considered for any interaction effects to the incidence of intestinal parasitism. One hundred and two preschoolers participated in the study. Data was gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined by Direct Fecal Smear to assess intestinal parasitic infection. The data were statistically treated using frequency, percentage, correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Overall, the incidence of intestinal parasitism among preschool children was low. Eleven percent of the one hundred and two respondents were positive for parasites. From the study, it was evident that Ascaris lumbricoides known as intestinal roundworm was the common parasite seen in the fecal sample. Multiple regression analysis of the test showed significant relationship on the number of siblings in the family to the incidence of intestinal parasitism. The rest of the intervening variables did not yield significant relationships.

 

Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), preschool children, direct fecal smear