Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations in Relation to Wasting Among Children Under 5 Years of Age In Skardu, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

This community based Cross-sectional Observational study was carried out in Skardu city and its adjoining areas, in order to determine the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections and its relation with the nutritional status of pre-school children. A sample of 300 pre-school children was selected through convenience sampling. Stool samples were tested for presence of ova/cysts of intestinal parasites. Anthropometric data was obtained using standard tools. Ascaris Lumbricoides, Cryptosporidium, Hymenolepis Nana and Giardia had frequency of 22.33%, 14%, 9.3% and 8.0% respectively. 47 (15.7%) Preschool children were found to be wasted. Out of wasted children, majority (35 children) were infested with some kind of intestinal parasites (p-value 0.001845). Significant relation was found between intestinal parasitic infestation and wasting. Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Prevalence, Pre-school children, Nutritional status, Stool examination, Wasting