Title: Assessment of the Prevalence of Diarrhea among Children and Its Relation with Intestinal Parasites Infection in Western Libya.
Authors: Naziha Ali K. Alqarradi
Volume: 8
Issue: 9
Pages: 154-162
Publication Date: 2024/09/28
Abstract:
: Background: Diarrhea is one of the infectious childhood diseases caused by various organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It causes morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Parasitic infections are a serious public health concern. They cause anemia, growth retardation, aggression, weight loss, and other physical and mental problems, especially in children. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the real distribution of ıdiarrhea between infected and uninfected children, assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients with ıdiarrhea, and know the association between diarrhea and the types of parasites that cause it. Materials and Methods: In the summer (July and August /2019) ,112 fecal samples have been tested (46 males and 37 females).The subjects aged from less than four years old to 12 years. The methods used were direct examination and microscopy. Results: The results revealed the presence of four species of intestinal parasites; Entamoeba hisrotytica (72.28%),Giardia lambia (16.86%), Entamoeba coli (10.84%), The results showed that the highest percentage in the city of Surman with parasite E. coli by 0.4% also showed that the highest percentage in the parasite E. histolytic in the city of Ajailat by 10.37%. The overall percentage incidence of infection was 74.10% .Also ,there were significant differences between the incidence of infection of males in comparison to females .The same differences noted in the overall percentage incidence of infection during the study period as well as in the age groups .Finally ,the highest percentage incidence of infection was detected in bottle-feeder infants less than four year old (55.35%) . The incidence of stool in brown colour 38.39%. stool odour was associated with infection, with 48.21% for bad smell. Stool type was also associated with infection, where the incidence of liquid stool (watery) was recorded 36.60%. Conclusion: This study has indentified some important determinants of diarrhea among children. From the findings in this study, it is recommended that women should be encouraged to take their children for vaccination as scheduled. Similar studies on factors associated with diarrhea among children should be conducted in future to facilitate continuity and effective implementation of child health programs. Similar studies on factors associated with diarrhea among children should be conducted in the future.