Prevalence of intestinal parasites, associated risk factors and social background of street children in Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: The magnitude of the problem of homeless children or “street children” is escalating and
this is related to increasing levels of poverty especially in developing countries.
Objectives: The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated
risk factors among street children.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross- sectional study conducted in Khartoum State during the period Ist
June 2013 to Ist December 2013. Two hundred and seven street children were included in the study. Data
collected included :socio-demographic characteristics and stool analysis.
Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi square test was used for
correlation between risk factors and abnormal stool result.
Results: Males were 187(90.3%) and females were 20(9.7%).Seventy two percent of the street children
were illiterate. 89.4% of them were doing marginal jobs. Hundred fourty eight (71.7%) of the children
had positive stool result. Seventy six (36.7%) were positive for Giardia lamblia, Thirty six (17.4%) were
positive for Entamoeba histolytica, six(2.8%) were positive for Hymenolepis Nana. Correlation between
source of drinking water and laboratory analysis of stool revealed significant association between source
of drinking water and E. histolytica (p = 0.017) and also correlation between type of work and laboratory
analysis of stool showed significant statistical correlation with Giardia lamblia infection (p= 0.014).
Conclusion: The study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children.
Epidemiological information on the prevalence of various intestinal parasites among street children is very
important to develop appropriate control strategies.