Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women in Venezuela
Author Information
Author(s): Alfonso J. Rodríguez-Morales, Barbella Rosa A., Case Cynthia, Arria Melissa, Ravelo Marisela, Perez Henry, Urdaneta Oscar, Gervasio Gloria, Rubio Nestor, Maldonado Andrea, Aguilera Ymora, Viloria Anna, Blanco Juan J., Colina Magdary, Hernández Elizabeth, Araujo Elianet, Cabaniel Gilberto, Benitez Jesús, Rifakis Pedro
Primary Institution: Environmental Health, Ministry of Health, Carupano, Sucre, Venezuela
Hypothesis
Intestinal parasitic infections increase anemia in pregnant women.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among pregnant women, which is significantly associated with anemia.
Supporting Evidence
- 73.9% of pregnant women studied had intestinal parasitosis.
- 65.1% of women presented anemia.
- Relative risk for anemia in women with intestinal parasitosis was 2.56.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women in Venezuela have intestinal parasites, which can make them anemic and affect their health.
Methodology
A transversal analysis of pregnant women attending prenatal care in nine states of Venezuela, including stool samples for coproparasitological study.
Limitations
The study did not include women with previous infectious diseases and was limited to specific geographic areas.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 25.5 years, with 60% in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< .01
Confidence Interval
95%CI 2.13–3.08
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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