Resumen

CORRALES FUENTES, Liset; HERNANDEZ GARCIA, Sandra; RODRIGUEZ ARENCIBIA, Miguel Angel  y  HERNANDEZ PEREZ, Aydely. Intestinal parasitism in children: epidemiological factors in Orange Walk, Belize. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.4, pp. 163-178. ISSN 1561-3194.

Intestinal parasitism (IP) is still a health problem in Central America and Caribbean Countries. An applied, epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted at the urban district of «Orange Walk», Belize in 2009 with the purpose of identifying the causal factors of epidemiological risk. The target group was comprised of 566 children (0-4 years old), the sample (400 children) was taken by means of intentional non-probabilistic sampling and a direct feces examination; representing two sampling strata. Empiric methods of investigation were used: questionnaires, observation guidebook and theoretical. To process the data, descriptive statistics, absolute and relative frequencies were used; ratios, rate with relative risk, comparison of two and k-proportions, plus non-parametric chi square test as well. More positive feces prevailed over negative ones, observing no relation to the sex and the onset of parasites, children of 3-4 years old prevailed. The rate of medical care was 41.34/100 inhabitants, Giardia lamblia was the most frequent parasite found. The clinical signs of: abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss. The main causal epidemiological factors were: no water boiling, inadequate sewage disposal and plays on the ground. Recurrence had 2 events per child and a relative risk of suffering from the infection of 1.3 times, greater for children living in unfavourable hygienic situation: inhabitants with poor sanitary education and parents with low-schooling level. Intestinal Parasitism constitutes a health problem.

Palabras clave : PARASITIC INTESTINAL DISEASES [epidemiology]; PARASITIC INTESTINAL DISEASES [prevention and control].

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