Enteroparasites in pre- and schoolchildren in a rural area of Manabí

Enteroparasitosis continues to represent a relevant health problem in rural child populations, due to its close relationship with unfavorable environmental and social conditions. Objective: To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic, hygienic-environmental risk factors and the prevalence of enteroparasitosis in preschool and school children in the rural parish of Convento, Chone canton. Materials and methods: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 203 children aged 3 to 11 years, selected by simple random sampling. The coproparasitic diagnosis was made by direct fresh examination and modified Ritchie concentration technique, complemented by a sociodemographic survey applied to the legal representatives. Results: The overall prevalence of enteroparasitosis was 27.1 %, with only monospecific infections being identified, with a predominance of intestinal protozoa such as Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis. Higher prevalences were observed in children aged 6 to 8 years, in sugarcane or mixed dwellings, and in households with access to untreated water and limited basic sanitation. Conclusions: Enteroparasitosis was mainly associated with structural and hygienic-environmental factors, which evidences the need to strengthen sanitation strategies, access to safe water and health education in the rural child population.