RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of parasitic infections and to assess the relation between intestinal helminth infection and the anaemia status of pre-school children. METHODS: The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Skardu, Pakistan, from August 2016 to January 2017, and comprised pre-school children of either gender. Demographical data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for the presence and differentiation of ova / larvae of different intestinal helminths under microscope at the pathology department of a local healthcare facility. Blood haemoglobin was measured from blood samples and anaemia was defined as blood Hb <11g/dL. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 300 paediatric subjects, 169 (56.3%) were males and 131 (43.7%) females. The overall mean age of the sample was 36±16 months. Of the total, 161(53.67%) were found infected. Among the infected, 93(31%) were males and 68(22.67%) were females (p=0.10). Among those who were infection-free, 46(15.3%) children were anaemic. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of helminthic infections in pre-school children in Skardu was found to be high. The public health problem needs to be addressed for the healthy development of children.
