Impact of Mothers' Employment and Education on Intestinal Parasite Infections in Mexican Schoolchildren
Author Information
Author(s): Quihui Luis, Valencia Mauro E, Crompton David WT, Phillips Stephen, Hagan Paul, Morales Gloria, Díaz-Camacho Silvia P
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C.
Hypothesis
Are maternal education and employment status associated with intestinal parasitic infections in rural schoolchildren?
Conclusion
Lower income, defecation in open areas, unemployment, and low education level of mothers are significant factors related to intestinal parasitism in rural Mexican schoolchildren.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of schoolchildren showed poliparasitism.
- 65% had protozoan infections.
- 53% of children from Oaxaca had helminth infections compared to 33% from Sinaloa.
- Lower-income families had a higher risk of intestinal parasitism.
- Defecation in open areas increased infection risk.
Takeaway
Kids in Mexico can get sick from tiny bugs in their tummies, and moms who have less education or don't have jobs can make it more likely for their kids to get sick.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study conducted in 12 rural communities in Mexico, collecting stool samples and socio-economic data through questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported socio-economic data from mothers.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to urban populations or other regions of Mexico.
Participant Demographics
Schoolchildren aged 6-10 years from rural communities in Sinaloa and Oaxaca, Mexico.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.6–22.6; 2.5–8.2; 1.5–7.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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