Intestinal parasitosis in children from Quito: analysis from the social determinants of health

Abstract

Intestinal Parasites (IP) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially for school children. The present study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in urban schoolchildren in the Metropolitan District of Quito and their socioeconomic determinants. During the year 2013, 406 girls and boys between 5 and 12 years of age were randomly selected from 5 public and 5 private basic education institutions. Each participant underwent a direct and concentrated stool test examination and was given a socioeconomic survey. The association between intestinal parasitosis and socioeconomic determinants was estimated through logistic regression. The prevalence of parasitic infestation was 29,3 %, of which 12,3 % corresponded to pathogenic parasites: Entamoeba histolytica represents 70,1 %; Giardia lamblia 12,9 %; and Hymenolepis nana 5,6 %. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is higher in children of mothers with primary education (OR: 4,07; 95 % CI: 2,09-7.94) compared to children of mothers with higher education. The prevalence reported is lower than that published in other national and Latin American studies with similar methodologies, but consistent with the city's sanitary improvements. It is necessary to rethink the intervention strategies for IP prevention that have been established in the district.