Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Children in an Internally Displaced Center (IDC) in Kosti City of the White Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are considered a global health problem, especially in developing countries such as Sudan. Over three million people have been displaced in Sudan due to civil war, and children are severely affected. However, there is limited data regarding IPIs among children in internally displaced centers (IDCs) in the White Nile State, especially in Kosti City. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs and the associated risk factors among Sudanese children in an IDC in Kosti City, White Nile State, Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 children at the IDC, and 508 corresponding stool samples were collected. Parents and guardians of children aged 1–10 were contacted randomly to voluntarily enroll their wards in the study. The sample collection period was from June 15th to November 15th, 2023. The stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of IPIs among children of the IDC was 33.9% (172/508). Specifically, the prevalence of intestinal parasites (IPs) among the children were Entamoeba histolytica (6.7%), Giardia lamblia (25.0%), and Hymenolepis nana (2.2%). Age-wise, the proportion of IPIs among children (1–5 years) was 29.8% (59/198), and those 6–10 years were 40.3% (125/310), p < 0.05. IPIs among males (32.1%) were less than females (34.9%), p > 0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded a relatively high prevalence of IPIs among children in IDC in Kosti City, White Nile State, Sudan. Therefore, a swift public intervention plan is needed, such as improving hygiene and sanitation, health education, and periodic screening and deworming of the affected population, particularly children.