Parasitic infections and maternal awareness of preschool children in Karmouz district, Alexandria.

Intestinal parasitic infections are widespread especially among preschool children living in poor areas. Also pediculosis has been perceived as a public health nuisance for decades. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 children and their mothers in a poor urban district to assess mothers' knowledge and practices as regards parasitic infections and infestations that may be present in her preschool child, and to correlate the presence of these infections with her awareness. A pre-designed questionnaire that included socio-demographic data, items to assess mothers' knowledge of sources and preventive measures of parasitic infections and infestations and her practices was completed. A stool sample was collected from children and examined using formol-ether technique and Sellotape technique was used to detect Enterobius vermicularis. Pediculus capitis was diagnosed by inspection of the scalp and was found to be the most prevalent parasite found in 58.9% of those children followed by Enterobius vermicularis in 46%. A strong positive association between pediculosis and enterobiasis was detected (phi coefficient = 0.956, p < 0.001). Socioeconomic level affected both knowledge and practices scores where one point change in knowledge score or socioeconomic score caused an increase in practice score of 0.279 and 0.071, respectively. Also higher risk of pediculosis was found to be significantly associated with female sex and low socioeconomic level. An increase of one point in practice score showed a decrease in the log likelihood ratio of enterobiasis of 14.3%. The majority of mothers (77.3%) were found to be aware that their children had a parasitic infection, which was significantly associated with results of stool analysis. This indicates that awareness building is not enough to be of practical benefit. Appropriate and detailed control methods of parasitic infections and pediculosis must be taught and applied by parents and community. Socio-economic development, organized health programs and motivation should be undertaken to help today's children.