Prevalence of intestinal parasites and related factors among students in Yueyang city

Objective To understand the prevalence of the intestinal parasite among students in Yueyang city and to provide basis for prevention and control strategies.Methods Participants were selected through stratified random sampling method from 2 classes of each of the 5 schools.Cellophane fecal thick smear examination technique(Kato) for diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis and test-tube cultivation method on the survey of hookworm.Health knowledge and health behavior were investigated by questionnaire survey.Results In all the 1 545 students,the infection rate of intestinal parasite was primary school (3.27%) >middle school (2,42%) > university (1.91%).Roundworm (2.65%) was the most common intestinal parasitic,followed by hookworm (1.49%),whipworm (0.13%),fasciolopsis buski (0.13%) and clonorchis sinensis (0.06%).Infection rate was lower in urban areas (2.21%) and boys (2.65%) than that of rural area (3.28%) and female students (2.66%).Awareness on intestinal parasitic disease prevention and control in primary,secondary and college students was 87%,95% and 97%,respectively,while reported rate on health behavior adoption was 85%,94% and 95% respectively(x2 =39.58,P<0.01).Intestinal parasites infection awareness positively related with health behavior adoption (r=0.99,P<0.05).Eating unwashed fruits,drinking unboiled water,no hand-washing before eating and after toilet,preparing raw meat and cooked food on the same chopping board,and bare foot walking were the main risk factors for intestinal parasitic infection [0R(95%CI) was 6.14(3.22-11.73),4.13(2.10-8.14),3.74(1.95-7.18),2.64 (1.41-4.93) and 2.45(1.32-4.57),respectively].Conclusion Roundworm and hookworm are the most common intestinal parasitic species especially among primary school students.Strengthen water and stool management,public education,improving sanitation conditions,and practicing healthy lifestyle are the major keys to success in preventing the spread of intestinal parasitic infections.