Recorded presentation

Seppo T. Rinne, BS¹, Regina A. Galer-Unti, PhD, CHES², Edgar Rodas, MD³, and Larry T. Glickman, DrPH, VMD¹. (1) Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-2294, rgaler@purdue.edu, (2) Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, Lambert, 800 W. Stadium Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2046, (3) Medical School, University of Cuenca, P.O. Box 01.01.31, Cuenca, Ecuador

Background: Intestinal parasites are common among children in developing countries, though risk factors for infection are often unknown. In order to create an effective health campaign for Santa Ana, Ecuador we worked with local physicians to identify the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitism in the community. Methods: Two hundred houses were randomly selected and asked to submit three stool samples from a child in the household, 1 to 10 years old. Information from direct observation and questionnaires was used to examine associations between environmental and behavioral risk factors and presence of parasitic infection. Results: Prevalence of any intestinal parasitic infection was 65.6% of the 189 children that submitted fecal samples. Parasitic infections included E. histolytica/ E. dispar (46.6%), G. lamblia (18.5 %), A. lumbricoides (20.1 %), and T. trichiura (6.4 %). In a multivariate logistic model, risk factors (p<0.05) for E. histolytica/ E. dispar included > 1 month since antiparasitic treatment, not adding chlorine to drinking water, children not washing their hands before eating, and a fewer number of electrical appliances in the household. Risk for G. lamblia was increased with children not washing their hands before eating. A higher prevalence of A. lumbricoides was associated with >6 months since antiparasitic treatment and fewer number of electrical appliances in the household. Conclusions: Study results demonstrate principle risk factors for intestinal parasites in an Andean village and will be discussed as they provide a basis for creating health promotion campaigns. Barriers to implementation and assessment will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss the importance of risk factor identification for parasitism prior to public health intervention
• Prioritize risk factors for parasitism based on their association with parasitic infection, modifiability of the behavior or environment, and cost of intervention
• Describe the need for collaborative research and health education program planning in developing countries as a part of international development

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, International Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation