Worm infestation in children of Skardu

To determine the frequency of parasitic infestation among children of district Skardu. Cross-sectional study. Combined Military Hospital, Skardu, from September 2010 to January 2011. Two hundred and fifty children of 1-15 years of age. were selected from out patient department through non probability convenience sampling. Demographic information included gender, hygienic condition, source of drinking water, defecation site and maternal education. This information was recorded on a questionnaire. Parents were interviewed, while stool samples of children were collected for examination of ova and cysts. Ova and cysts of various parasites were found in 192[76.8%] children. Intestinal helminths were more frequent 167[87%] than protozoa 25[13%]. Mixed infestation seen in 24[12.5%] cases and single parasite was seen in 168[87.5%] cases. Water from streams, use of traditional defecation sites, poor personal hygiene, illiteracy of mothers and rural living proved to be significant risk factors in predicting the intestinal helminth infection [p<0.05]. Parasitic infestation is very common in children belonging to Skardu region. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common helminth infestation found compared to protozoa. Poor hygiene, use of stream water, rural living, and low level of maternal education have appeared as major contributors towards parasitic infestation.