High prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children despite universal access to sanitation: A cross-sectional study in southeastern Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.51119Keywords:
Intestinal Parasites, Preschool Children, Hygiene Practices, Giardia, Public Health.Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children aged 0 to 6 years attending daycare centers and preschools in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to evaluate hygiene practices associated with parasite transmission. This cross-sectional study included stool sample analyses and questionnaires applied to families between January 2014 and November 2017. Parasitological analyses were performed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer spontaneous sedimentation method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies. Among the evaluated children, 86 positive samples were identified, with Giardia sp. and Endolimax nana being the most prevalent species. Hygiene-related factors, including inadequate handwashing habits and insufficient food hygiene, were associated with higher parasitic occurrence. Despite universal sanitation coverage in the municipality, intestinal parasites remained frequent among preschool children, demonstrating that sanitation alone is insufficient to eliminate transmission. Educational interventions focused on hygiene practices are essential to reduce infection rates.
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