Impact of socioeconomic conditions and parasitic infection on hemoglobin level among children in Um-Unnasser village, Gaza strip

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%), Ciardia 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 C. lamblia. © TÜBITAK.