PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS AMONG PAEDIATRIC POPULATIONS IN UNDERDEVELOPED NATIONS: A REVIEW

Nqobile Simelane; Nokukhanya Thembane

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i6.473

Authors

Nqobile Simelane Mangosuthu University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, South Africa.
Nokukhanya Thembane Mangosuthu University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i6.473

Keywords:

Intestinal Parasite Infections, Children, Developing Countries, Poor Sanitation, Health Education

Abstract

Background:

Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) have a severe impact on children in developing countries, causing malnutrition, stunted growth, anaemia, and cognitive deficits. Poor sanitation, limited access to safe drinking water, and socioeconomic conditions contribute to the high prevalence of infections. Addressing the spread of parasites requires preventive initiatives and improved healthcare services, particularly in crowded school environments with close physical contact.

Methods:

Multiple databases, including Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were used to conduct a thorough literature search.

Results:

The review included multiple papers assessing intestinal parasite infections in paediatric populations across diverse regions, revealing varying prevalence rates ranging from 6.63% to 86% due to factors like study population, design, and diagnostic methods used. Nonetheless, the findings indicated a high burden of IPIs among children in underdeveloped countries.

Discussion:

There was a variation in prevalence rates reported across the research analysed. It stressed the importance of using context-specific ways to address the problem of IPIs in diverse regions. The discussion also emphasized the impact of socioeconomic issues, sanitation conditions, and limited access to clean water on the occurrence of IPIs. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the importance of school environments in encouraging the transmission of intestinal parasites among children.

Conclusion:

The review provides insights on intestinal parasites in children from developing nations, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, improved health education, and evidence-based legislation. Conclusions highlight the importance of public health planning, resource allocation, and coordination among policymakers and healthcare professionals to reduce the burden of these infections and improve children's health outcomes.

Recommendation:

Implement targeted interventions, enhanced health education, evidence-based legislation, public health planning, and stakeholder coordination to reduce the burden of intestinal parasite infections in children from developing nations.

Author Biographies

Nqobile Simelane, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, South Africa.

is a fourth-year student in Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science at Mangosuthu University of Technology, specializing in Clinical Pathology with a special interest in neglected tropical disease research.

Nokukhanya Thembane, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, South Africa.

is a Senior Lecturer with a background of being a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with expertise in Clinical Pathology (Microbiology, Haematology and Clinical Chemistry).