Cross-sectional epidemiological investigations of Giardia lamblia in children in Pakistan
São Paulo med. j
;
136(5): 449-453, Sept.-Oct. 2018. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-979388
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND:
The prevalence of Giardia lamblia in Pakistani children is currently unknown. The aim here was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia in children exhibiting diarrhea. DESIGN ANDSETTING:
Cross-sectional study at different district healthcare hospitals in Pakistan.METHODS:
A total of 800 samples were collected from children aged 0-10 years. Information regarding personal data, demographic data and supposed risk factors was collected through a structured questionnaire. Giardia lamblia was detected through direct microscopy and antigens through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS:
The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was 2.75% through direct microscopy and inflated to 9.5% through ELISA. The demographic factors positively associated with occurrences of giardiasis were age (P = 0.035; odds ratio, OR = 1.96; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.094-3.533), mother's educational level (P = 0.031; OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.186-6.045) and father's educational level (P = 0.004; OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.612-7.899). Similarly, among the supposed risk factors, rural residency (P = 0.032; OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.098- 2.851), absence of proper sewerage system (P = 0.000; OR = 6.60; 95% CI = 4.029-10.841) and unavailability of safe drinking water (P = 0.000; OR = 4.08; 95% CI = 2.207-7.547) were the factors strongly connected with giardiasis. Abdominal discomfort was a prominent clinical sign with 46% frequency.CONCLUSION:
Various risk factors were associated with occurrences of Giardia, thus emphasizing the importance of parents' education, safe drinking water and proper sewerage systems for Pakistani children's health.
Full text:
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Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Giardiasis
/
Giardia lamblia
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
São Paulo med. j
Journal subject:
Cirurgia Geral
/
Cincia
/
Ginecologia
/
Medicine
/
Medicina Interna
/
Obstetr¡cia
/
Pediatria
/
Sa£de Mental
/
Sa£de P£blica
Year:
2018
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Pakistan
Institution/Affiliation country:
Government College University Faisalabad/PK
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