Sema Nur YILDIRIM, Muhammed Akif Sami TOKER, Murat ARSLAN, Ahmet Duran ATAŞ
Türk Fen ve Sağlık Dergisi - 2026;7(3):236-244
Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among preschool children and to investigate factors associated with intestinal parasite positivity. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 137 children aged 3-6 years attending preschool educational institutions in Suşehri district of Sivas, Türkiye. One stool sample and one cellophane tape specimen were collected from each child. Stool samples were examined using saline and Lugol's iodine wet mount preparations, while cellophane tape specimens were evaluated by direct microscopic examination. Sociodemographic, nutritional, hygiene-related, and environmental data were collected using a Personal Information Form. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. Results: At least one intestinal parasite was detected in 15.3% (n = 21) of the children. The most frequently identified parasite was Entamoeba coli (11.7%), followed by Giardia intestinalis (4.4%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.5%). More than one parasite species was detected in 2.2% of the children. Among the variables examined, only paternal educational level was significantly associated with intestinal parasite positivity (p = 0.008). No significant associations were found between intestinal parasite positivity and age, sex, household income, maternal educational level, parental employment status, dietary habits, hygiene practices, or environmental characteristics (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that intestinal parasite positivity is present among preschool children, with Entamoeba coli, a generally non-pathogenic intestinal amoeba, being the most frequently detected species. Its predominance may reflect exposure related to fecal-oral transmission and underscores the importance of maintaining appropriate hygiene practices. The results may contribute to the planning of preventive health services in preschool institutions and to the development of public health nursing practices.
