Link Between Body Measurements and Blood Tests with Intestinal Parasites in Poor Children
Author Information
Author(s): Freire Bruno, Sohn Alessandra Marques, Rojas-Humpire Ricardo, Huancahuire-Vega Salomon
Primary Institution: Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU)
Hypothesis
This study aims to determine the association between anthropometric values and laboratory tests with parasitosis diagnosis and identify diagnostic models for parasitosis without relying on copro-parasitological examinations.
Conclusion
Satisfactory diagnostic value models were only found for parasitosis by Enterobius vermicularis, suggesting the potential for reducing reliance on copro-parasitological exams in resource-limited settings.
Supporting Evidence
- A high prevalence of parasitosis was identified (41.9%).
- Male sex and age groups of 2–5 years and >5 years were associated with a greater risk of parasitosis.
- Diagnostic models associating Enterobius vermicularis and BMI showed satisfactory values.
Takeaway
The study looked at how body measurements and blood tests can help find intestinal parasites in children who are poor. It found that some tests can help doctors figure out if kids have these parasites without needing special stool tests.
Methodology
Data were collected from medical records of children aged 0–14 who attended a medical center for low-income children, analyzing anthropometric and laboratory data.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and the lack of control groups.
Limitations
The study did not analyze other parasites frequently associated with anemia and anthropometric alterations, and it included the entire population attending the medical center rather than a selected sample.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0–14, with a near-equal distribution of boys (49.8%) and girls (50.2%).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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