Impact of Socioeconomic Conditions and Parasitic Infection on Hemoglobin Level among Children in Um-Unnasser Village, Gaza Strip

Authors: BASSAM F. AL-ZAIN

Abstract: Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the impact of socioeconomic conditions and intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on hemoglobin level among children aged 2-15 years in Um-Unnasser village, North Gaza, Palestine. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis of blood and fecal samples. Results: Of 256 children, 25% were anemic and prevalence was higher in children aged below six years. Overall prevalence of IPI was 46.9%. Ascaris lumbricoides (11.3%), Giardia lamblia (8.2%), Hymenolepis nana (6.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.7%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) were the most frequently found, whereas 10.9% of children had multiple parasitic infection. An association was determined between some socioeconomic conditions and parasitic infection and anemia. These socioeconomic factors included age group of the studied children, father´s educational level and work status. Conclusions: It was found that children with double parasitic infection had lower hemoglobin level than those who had single parasitic infections except in cases of A. lumbricoides and G. lamblia.

Keywords: Hemoglobin level, parasitic, socioeconomic conditions, children, anemia

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