Parasitic infections and maternal awareness of preschool children in Karmouz district, Alexandria

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 children and their mothers in a poor urban district to assess the mothers' knowledge and practices as regards parasitic infections and infestations that may be present in their preschool child and to correlate the presence of these infections with their awareness. A pre-designed questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, items to assess the mothers' knowledge about the sources and preventive measures of parasitic infections and infestations and their practices was completed. A stool sample was collected from children and examined using formol- ether techniques. Sellotape technique was used to detect Enterobius vermicularis. Pediculus capitis was diagnosed by the inspection of the scalp. The majority of mothers were found to be aware that their children had a parasitic infection which was significantly associated with results of stool analysis. Appropriate and detailed control methods of parasitic infections and pediculosis must be taught and applied by parents and community. Socioeconomic development, organized health programs and motivation should be undertaken