Intestinal Parasites and Sanitary Practices among the Rural Children

Infestation with intestinal parasites is a common problem throughout the world. It is estimated that at least one quarter of the world’s population is clinically infected with intestinal parasites. In this article, we have tried to explore the relation between intestinal parasites and sanitary practices among the rural children in Bangladesh. TAJ 2007; 20(1): 01-05 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Moulana Bhasani Medical College, Uttara, Dhaka. 2 Medical Officer (MCH-FP), Kapasia, Gazipur, Dhaka. 3 Professor & Director, NIPSOM, Mohakhali, Dhaka -1212. 4 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health & Hospital Administration, NIPSOM, Mohakhali, Dhaka -1212. Introduction Infestation with intestinal parasites is a world wide problem. Current estimate suggest that at least one quarter of the world’s population is clinically infested with intestinal parasites and most of the infested people live in developing countries. Most frequent intestinal helminthes in man are Ascaris lumbricoides, Hook worm and Trichuris trichitura which have a prevalence high rate in Africa, Asia and Latin America. More than 15,000 people die each day from diseases related to water and sanitation all over the world despite the gains of water decade, 19801990. It is estimated that 10% health problems in developing countries are related to diarrhea and helminthes both of which are mostly water born. In 1987 it was estimated that 1000 million of world population were infested with Ascaris lumbricoids, 900 million were with Necator americana and Ankylostoma duodenale and 500 million people were Trichiuris trichiura. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of intestinal worm is alarmingly high both in rural and urban areas as the environment fulfills the criteria for transmission of infection from host to host. Low socioeconomic condition, poor sanitary practices, inadequate sanitation facilities, ignorance, poverty, low literacy, congested living and most important is lack of health education are related to wide prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection of human in developing countries but resources available for their control are very limited. The consequences of intestinal parasitic infestation constitute a significant health and social problem. These include significant morbidity, reduced physical activity, impaired mental development and unsatisfactory performance of children in school. Malnutrition is a major problem among Bangladeshi children. At any time about 100 million children suffers from moderate to severe PEM in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Intestinal parasites are extremely common among malnourished population especially young children. In 1991 a study was done in Dhaka Shishu Hospital among 100 malnourished children, stool microscopy showed intestinal parasitic infestation among 70% in patient. Material and Methods This cross sectional study included 140 children of 6-10 years age group at Kapasia, Gazipur from June-November 2002. The sample was selected by simple random sampling. An interview schedule with each of the respondents was used as instrument which included one structured questionnaire and one check list for routine stool examination for helminthes. Those who supplied the stool sample were interviewed face to face and the instrument was questionnaire. To fill up the checklist everything was observed carefully. Every child was contacted and convinced and was supplied with a plastic container containing 5ml of 10% formalin so that they could supply stool at their convenient time and stools were preserved well. Collection technique and amount of stool to be collected were thoroughly explained to them in groups or individually to their guardians. Stool sample were collected by children or guardians in a center fixed by pathological laboratory of Health Complex. Then collected stool samples were examined by the expert technologists and recorded in the prescribed result sheet. After filling up the questionnaire, checklist and laboratory report sheet were completed, data entry was done in a computer for analysis using the software program ‘Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).