Prevalence and Risk Factors of Common Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Primary School–Age Children

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections among primary school-age children as well as the risk factors in acquiring the infection and the significant relationship between the two. Stool samples were collected by the researchers from 26 subjects. They were processed using formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT) and were examined by a licensed medical technology for common intestinal parasites using direct microscopy. Survey questionnaires were also distributed to the subjects to determine their demographic profile. Majority of the subjects were males and most of them were 6-8 years old. In terms of weight, majority of the children were underweight. Out of the 26 subjects, only 2 (8%) were positive for Ascaris lumbricoides. The results reveal that majority of the subjects are free from common intestinal parasitic infections. Through the survey and observation of the area, the risk factors identified were: poor hygienic practices, limited access to water and exposure to surrounding environment. With the results obtained, it is evident that there is no significant relationship between the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and the identified risk factors.

Keywords:  School-age children, intestinal parasitic infection, risk factors