Browsing by Author "Chileke, Jude Chidiebere"

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    Intestinal protozoan parasites in children with diarrhea and associated risk factors in selected health institutions in Imo State
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-11) Chileke, Jude Chidiebere
    This study was carried out with a view of assessing intestinal protozoan parasites in children with diarrhea and the associated risk factors in selected health institutions in Imo State. Diarrheic stool samples were collected from consented subjects and analyzed in the laboratory applying standard parasitological techniques. Demographic and socio-economic data were collected using pre-tested researcher administered questionnaire. Of the 1,200 diarrheic stool samples examined, 404 (33.6%) yielded positive result. C. parvum (20.0%), E. histolytica (10.3%) and G. lamblia (3.3%) were isolated. Protozoan diarrhea occurred most in children of age group 5-8 years; age prevalence had no significant difference (p>0.05). Primary school subjects yielded highest prevalence (39.8%) with significant difference (p<0.05) among other school categories. Rural children had high prevalence (37.3%) than urban children (27.1%) with statistical significant difference (p<0.05). Significant difference was noted among the three zones of the study area, Orlu (41.8%), Owerri (30.6%) and Okigwe (28.9%) (p<0.05). The comparison of protozoan parasite prevalence among the selected hospitals was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Social risk factors identified included poor hand hygiene, poor knowledge, attitude and practice on source of diarrheal transmission. Poor source of drinking water, dirty playing grounds and crowded areas especially in public schools were the other factors. This present study therefore calls for adequate campaign and public health enlightenment to be extended to children and their caregivers in this area. Environmental sanitation especially proper fecal disposal should be put in place and adequately monitored since the protozoan diarrhea is transmitted through fecal-oral routes.