ABSTRACT

In this study, the prevalence of E. vermicularis and its relation with socioeconomic level, age, race, gender, mother’s and father’s educational level, income status, and housing type were investigated among 1729 students who were between ages 6-12 at 8 different elementary schools (Eryaman Türkkent, Tahsin Şahinkaya, Şahin, Beytepe, Azmi Ertuğrul, Ege, Semiha İsen, Samime Talat Primary School) in Kazan, Etimesgut, Çankaya, Pursaklar, Mamak, and Sincan in Ankara.

A questionnaire form and cellophane-taped slides with locked bags were provided for students between November 2010 and May 2011.

In total, 874 (50.5%) of students were female and 855 (49.5%) of them were male. According to the questionnaire, 197 (11.4%) of students had low, 986 (57.1%) moderate, and 545 (31.5%) high income levels. Also, 148 students out of 1729 were found to be infected with E. vermicularis, and the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis was found 86%; 81% (9.5%) of the infected were male and 67 (7.7%) was female.

As the result of study, a significant difference was found between the presence of E. vermicularis and socio-demographic properties. However, there was no significant difference between presence of E. vermicularis and gender. These results show that the importance of socio-demographic properties on the presence of E. vermicularis. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2014; 38: 159-61)

Keywords: Enterobius vermicularis, prevalence, intestinal parasites