Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal helminthic infections in children from Lorestan province, Western Iran

摘要

BackgroundIntestinal helminthic infections are among the most important global socioeconomic and health problems. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites in 366 children aged 2 to 15?years referred to the main pediatric health center of Lorestan Province, Iran.MethodsMicroscopic analysis was performed on 366 stool samples. We applied direct smear, scotch tape, and formol-ether methods. Moreover, a questionnaire was filled in by parents or guardians of the children.ResultsThe results showed that 36 children (9.8%) were infected with at least one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasites wereEnterobius vermicularis(6.8%),Hymenolepis nana(1.9%), andAscaris lumbricoides(0.55%), in the order of their appearance. Statistical analysis showed that several risk factors were significantly associated with the prevalence intestinal helminthic parasites, including male sex (OR?=?2.9; 95% CI: 1.2–6.2; p?