Objective
Analyzing data on prevalence and species of intestinal parasites among residents of a maroon community.
Methods
A non-probabilistic sample survey for accessibility or convenience was used. The sample consisted of 153 individuals who answered an epidemiological investigation form and underwent parasitological examination of feces by sedimentation technique of Hoffman-Pons-Janer and analysis of water, according to the multiple tube technique to estimate medium density of microorganisms. The selection of the sample collection sites took into consideration the environmental and sanitary criteria.
Results
The proportion of infested individuals was 16.8% and the statistically significant variables were the municipality of residence (p = 0.048) and hygiene habits of hand washing (p≤0.001). Variables such as piped water, presence of thermotolerant coliforms in the water (p = 0.038) and treatment of drinking water (p≤0.001) were statistically associated with the variable of diarrheal episode in the last month (p = 0.008).
Conclusion
The results indicated infestations by different species of parasites related to diarrheal episodes associated with poor hygiene conditions, especially the lack of drinking water treatment.
Parasitic diseases; Health promotion; Public health nursing; Community health nursing; Advanced practice nursing