Educational strategy for managing and preventing intestinal parasitism in children aged 1 to 14 years old in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem. The objective was to develop a strategy for managing and preventing intestinal parasitism in children aged 1 to 14 years in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. A mixed-group, pre-experimental, single-group, and pre- and post-test study was conducted from March 1 to May 31, 2023. Methods were applied to collect and process information at the theoretical and empirical levels. The sample consisted of 322 infected children. The results confirmed a predominance of children aged 5 to 9 years (39.1%), female sex (51.2%), white skin colour (71.4%), urban residence (63.0%), consumption of untreated water (54.9%), not wearing footwear (54.0%), not washing hands (51.7%), presence of pets (67.7%), manifestations of parasitosis (74.8%), and use of antiparasitic treatment (6.8%) of children. 84.5% of the stool samples presented protozoa of medical importance and helminths (1.9%), predominantly Blastocystisspp. and Giardia duodenalis (Davaine) Deschiens, 1921. Polyparasitism, by helminths and protozoa (1.9%), being equally represented Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus, 1758, Trichuris trichiura Linnaeus, 1771 and hookworms. It is concluded that intestinal parasitism prevention is achieved through the development of an educational strategy with an action plan that includes training activities and intra- and intersectoral participation in educational institutions and the community.