Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to identify risk factors associated therewith in hospitalized children.
METHODS:
Three fecal samples from each patient were evaluated using three different techniques. The patients’ nutritional and socioeconomic status and hematologic profiles were evaluated.
RESULTS:
Of 106 children, 32.1% tested positive for intestinal parasitosis. The associated risk factors were low parental education levels and children's nail-biting habit. Eosinophilia, observed in 15 cases, was not associated with parasitosis.
CONCLUSIONS:
We recommend routine fecal parasitologic examination for hospitalized children and implementation of educational campaigns on the prevention of these diseases.
Keywords:
Prevalence; Enteroparasitosis; Hospitalized children