ABSTRACT
This was a case-control study of school-age children [6-15 years] attending a primary healthcare center between April and August 2002. The aim was to investigate the risk factors for intestinal parasitosis. Children who either had a history of parasitic infestation or were diagnosed on laboratory stool examination were labeled as cases [n = 90] and were compared with non-infested controls [n = 77]. The parameters investigated included physical complaints food and personal hygiene and hemoglobin The mean hemoglobin of cases [9.1 mg/dl] was significantly less then the controls [11.2 mg/dl] Poor personal hygiene was strongly associated with intestinal parasitosis Children who were infested were 13 times less likely in the habit of washing hands before meals Consumption of non-packaged foods from vendors [OR 6.87] not using any form of water purification method for drinking [OR 5.02] and consumption of raw vegetables [OR 2.84] were also associated with intestinal parasitosts In infested children the most significant physical complaints were sleep disorder [OR 533], decreased appetite [OR 2.32], change in bowel habits [OR 3.78], generalized priorities [OR 6.42], anal priorities [OR 5.26], lack of concentration [OR 2 97] and instability [OR 3.58] The results suggest a strong relationship between sanitary attributes and the prevalence of intestinal patasitosis Although, both groups m our study had access to piped water supply, but the difference in availability of sanitary latrine inside the house was significantly lower among infested children. Simple health education messages for improving personal and food hygiene may prove useful in controlling intestinal parasitosis in children