Giardia lamblia and Childhood Diarrhoea in Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Nkrumah Bernard, Nguah Samuel Blay
Primary Institution: Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of intestinal parasites among children with diarrhoea in a rural area of Ghana?
Conclusion
Giardia lamblia is the most prevalent intestinal parasite in children in the Ashanti Akim North Municipality, and its prevalence significantly increases with age.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall incidence of intestinal parasites was 114 per 1000 children.
- Giardia lamblia was found in 89.0% of the infected samples.
- Children aged 15-17 years had the highest incidence of Giardia lamblia at 152 per 1000.
Takeaway
This study found that many children in Ghana have a parasite called Giardia lamblia, which can make them sick, especially as they get older.
Methodology
A retrospective study analyzing stool samples from children under 18 years at Agogo Hospital from January 2006 to May 2009.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on laboratory records and the direct wet mount technique, which may lack sensitivity.
Limitations
The study relied on archived records, which may not capture all cases accurately.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 5 years, with 51.9% being females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 94.6 - 135.9
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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