Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Related Factors in Primary School Children in Varamin

Background: Intestinal parasitic diseases are very common in Iran, especially among children, and the statistics show that these pathogens are more common among primary school students, in comparison with other age groups. To determine the rate of outbreaks of these pathogens in the city of Varamin, the primary school students in the academic year 1999-2000 were studied.
Materials and Methods: The method of research was descriptive and the study was observational – interviewing. The simple sampling method was carried out over 293 primary school students in the city of Varamin. The samples were tested by direct laboratory methods and sedimentary concentration. For the purpose of finding cryptosporidum, Ziel-Neelsen modified method (88 samples out of total samples) was used for detection of cryptosporidium.
Results: Of 293 primary school students, 139 (47% were reported positive) for intestinal parasited of which, 116 students (83%) had one parasite, 21 students (15%) had two parasites and 2 students (2%) had 3 parasites. Giardia contamination was seen in 78 cases (49%) and was the most common contamination. Eighty-eight samples were reported negative for cryptosporidium. There was no significant difference among students of rural and urban areas for parasitism. There was not significant difference between males and females regarding the rate of contamination. There was a significant difference between mother's and father's occupation with the rate of contamination among students. However, the above-mentioned correlation was found to be weak based on Tchouprov test (14 and 15% respectively). There was a significant difference between parents' educational level and the rate of contamination. All students were drinking hygienic water (From pipeline) and 99% of these students were washing their hands with soap and water after using toilet.
Conclusion: This study suggested that there was a significant relationship (although weak) between mother and fathers’ occupations and the rate of contamination among students and also a significant difference, existed between parents? educational level and the result of stool examination indicating the importance of general awareness and knowledge in preventing intestinal parasitic diseases