%0 Journal Article
%T A Cross-Sectional Study of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children in Ghettoed, Diverse and Affluent Communities in Dschang, West Region, Cameroon
%A Catherine Fusi-Ngwa
%A Eveline Besong
%A Josu¨¦ Wabo Pone
%A Mpoame Mbida
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 1
%N 9
%P 1-14
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2014
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1101081
%X Background: There is a paucity of knowledge on the
epidemiology of parasitic diseases which remain rampant in the Dschang
municipality. Three communities around Dschang town¡ªNgui (slummy), Paidground
(heterogeneous) and the Administrative Quarter-AQ (wealthy) were investigated
to highlight the aetiology of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in
children in order to enhance health policy
intervention priorities. Methods: Between July and November 2009, 31 stools
amples were collected from children aged six months to 18 years (mean 9 years)
in 295 households across the three communities. A structured questionnaire
was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, source of
water supply, deworming practice and treatment history. Stool samples were
screened for ova/larvae of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount, brine
floatation and formol-ether sedimentation methods. Results from stool tests and
information obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In
total, 223 (26.8%) children had single (19.9%) and multiple (7%)
infections from seven parasites: the overall pre- valence was 34.7%; helminthes
19.3% and protozoa 15.4% (<i>¦Ö</i><sup>2</sup> = 4.3, P &lt; 0.0380); corresponding to <i>Entamoeba
histolytica </i>8.8%, <i>Ascaris
lumbricoides</i> 7.5%, <i>Trichuris
trichiura</i> 6.8%, <i>Entamoeba coli</i> (5.8%), hookworm 4.6%, <i>Giardia lamblia</i> 0.8% and <i>Vampirolepis </i>(Syn: <i>Hymenolepis</i>)<i> nana</i> 0.4%. Infections were more severe and rates significantly
higher in Ngui (45.9%, <i>¦Ö</i><sup>2</sup> = 86.83, P &lt; 0.0001) than in the AQ (17.7%) and Paidground (16.7%), and in
the oldest children above 15 years (55.3%, <i>¦Ö</i><sup>2</sup> = 111.97, P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: Regular sustained synchronized deworming
alongside antiprotozoaics, periodic diSagnostics for all children and slummed
residents which lend to intestinal protozoa; sanitary inspection of homes and
water supplies; adequate drainage and community wastes disposal; and prevention
education on hygiene, sanitation, safe water and health were desirable.
%K Intestinal Parasites
%K Prevalence
%K Risk Factors
%K Mitigation
%K Children
%K Cameroon
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3129345