Enteroparasitosis in schoolchildren from two educational units, one rural and one urban, in the Canton of Chone

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are diseases that affect the digestive system and represent a significant public health problem, particularly among children, a highly susceptible population. Objective: To compare the most frequent intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren from the 28 de Mayo Educational Unit in Copetón and the José Melquiades Educational Unit in Santa Rita Parish, Chone Canton. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 42 schoolchildren aged 5 to 9 years. Sociodemographic information was collected through questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, and the chi-square test was used to compare variables. Results: In the rural area, Blastocystis hominis was the most prevalent parasite (29.4%), followed by Entamoeba coli (11.8%). In the urban area, Entamoeba histolytica was the most frequently identified parasite (16.0%), while 80.0% of the schoolchildren showed no evidence of intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion: Although a higher prevalence was observed in the rural area, the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections does not depend solely on the place of residence but is also closely associated with social, economic, and cultural conditions.