PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES, MALNUTRITION, ANEMIA AND THEIR RISK FACTORS AMONG ORPHANED CHILDREN IN SANA'A CITY, YEMEN

Ali Ahmed Al-Halani; Wadhah Hassan  Edrees; Lutf Mohammed Alrahabi; Jameela Mohemmed Thabit; Sawsan Muktar Al-Bahloul; Fatima Ali Alwashali; Raghda Mohammed Al-Qhali; Maria Mohammed Morshed; Anood Sultan AlـHossainy; Eman Abdulnaser Al-Maflhi; Nahed Hussein Al-Sufi

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v8i2.923

Ali Ahmed Al-Halani Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Applied Sciences, Hajjah University, Yemen.
Wadhah Hassan Edrees Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Hajjah University, Yemen. Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Al-Razi University, Yemen. Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen. Yemen Foundation for Research and Health Development, Food and Drug Researches & Studies Center, Yemen.
Lutf Mohammed Alrahabi Dental Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Jameela Mohemmed Thabit Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Sawsan Muktar Al-Bahloul Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Fatima Ali Alwashali Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Raghda Mohammed Al-Qhali Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Maria Mohammed Morshed Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Anood Sultan AlـHossainy Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Eman Abdulnaser Al-Maflhi Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.
Nahed Hussein Al-Sufi Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Yemen.

10.22270/ujpr.v8i2.923

Keywords:

Anemia, children, intestinal parasites, malnutrition, Orphanage Sana'a, prevalence

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites infection, malnutrition, and anemia are endemic among children living inpoor and developing low-income countries, particularly Yemen.

Aims: The current study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, malnutrition, and anemia and their risk factors among orphaned children in Sana'a city, Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the orphanage between September 2020 and November 2023. One hundred and ninety-five (195) stool and blood samples were collected from orphan children aged 7-15 years. Intestinal parasites were examined using the formal ether concentration technique and hemoglobin was assessed using a Sysmex hematology analyzer.

Result: Out of 195 specimens, 77(39.49%) were positive for parasite infection. The high rate of infections was among subjects aged between 10-12 years (43.9%), at primary schools (42.9%), didn’t have a history of parasite infection (48.9%), between 102-118 cms in height (48.6%), 11-30 kg in weight (49.4%), and underweight (40.1%) non-statistical differences (P > 0.05). The most predominant parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (17.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia (10.3%), Hymenolepis nana (6.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3.6%), and Enterobius vermicularis (3.6%). The prevalence of anemia was 19% and statistically significant with parasitic infection (P = 0.000) but not significantly to risk factors (P> 0.05).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, anemia and malnutrition among the participating children, and this affects their health and life. Therefore, the implementation of control and prevention programs including improvement of health status, regular deworming practices with medication, health education, provision of appropriate food, and iron supplementation is required to reduce the incidence of malnutrition and anemia associated with intestinal parasitic infection.

Peer Review History:

Received: 9 February 2023; Revised: 13 March; Accepted: 25 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com