Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Bijapur, Karnataka

Intestinal parasitic infections continue to be a major health problem in children in developing countries. The present study attempted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in primary school children aged 8-13 years in a primary school. It was a cross-sectional study including 58 primary school children, out of which 35 were boys and 23 were females. Out of the 58 subjects examined 6 (11%) had intestinal parasite infection. The prevalence of infection was maximum in the age group of 10-11 years, followed by almost equal prevalence in age group of 8-9 years and 12-13 years. Among the parasites, the prevalence of ascaris lumbricoides was highest (83%), followed by hymenolepsis nana (16%). The prevalence of parasitic infestation was seen higher in those who consumed untreated water, and, in those who had open sanitary habits. Health education regarding hygienic practices in the school at primary levels can have significant effect in prevention of intestinal parasites infection among the children.