An Integrated Approach to the Control and Prevention of Intestinal Parasitic Infection

Abstract

Parasitic infection to human has been found increasing and recognized as an important public health problem in Chovar area of Kirtipur Municipality. A community based study on intestinal parasites was carried out in ward no. 13 and 14. A household survey was carried out to determine knowledge, attitude and practice regarding intestinal parasites by means of structural questionnaire in children of age group of 3-12 years in 2006. A total of 179 stool samples were collected and examined by fecal smear method. Among them 40.78%were found infected by different kinds of intestinal parasites. Among the positive samples prevalence rate in male children was 54.79% and 45.21% in female children. There was no significant difference in prevalence in two sexes. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be 50.82%, Trichuris trichiura 9.83%, Hookworm 4.91% and Strongyloide stercoralis 8.33%in helminthes while Giardia lamblia 22.95%, Entamoeba histolytica 9.83% and Cyclospora sp. 1.64% in protozoan parasites. Out of 73 positive samples 83.56% were found with prevalence of single species infection where Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were found to be most dominant helminthes and protozoan parasites respectively. Similarly, 16.43% were found with prevalence of double species infection but no triple or further multiple infections was found. Regarding the age group, high prevalence was found in 9-10 years age (69.56%) in male children where as 10-12 years age-group in female children (36.36%). There was no significant difference in prevalence in different age groups (χ2=10.02, P>0.05). In case of ethnic group, the prevalence in children of Newar community was found to be high with51% infection rate while 30.64% in Chhetri and 17.64% in Brahmin. The finding of survey study revealed that 179 children, higher prevalence was noted from non-vegetarians (44.09%) than that of vegetarians (11.11%). There was significant difference in prevalence in relation to food habit. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was found highest (66.67%) among them who defecate at open places, drink direct tap water (89.04%), do not cut nails regularly (100%) and do not wash hands with soap water before eating food and after playing outdoor games (90.47%) . The survey had shown that 64.24% households contain domestic birds/animals and there was significant difference in prevalence on the basis of types of domestic birds/animals with them (χ2=30.32, P<0.05). Only a few used to examine the stool and take anti-helminthes drugs at certain interval of time. The survey had shown that the high prevalence of intestinal parasites was found in those respondents who believe in traditional methods of treatment for abdominal discomforts (77.78%). The survey had also shown that very few respondents know about medicinal plants used against intestinal parasitic diseases and there was no significant difference in prevalence on the basis of knowledge about medicinal plants (χ2=9.96, P<0.05).