Environmental risk factors associated with intestinal parasites in pregnant women in Bogotá D.C. (Part I)

Almost the third part of worldwide population has some kind of parasitic intestinal infections. These diseases cause important morbidity and severe cases can evolve to mortality. These infections affect people living under the line of poverty. Taking into account the important consequences over children's health, pregnant women in vulnerable conditions mainly, are an important population to study these infections. Colombia, particularly Bogotá D.C., the capital city, offers the appropriate conditions to acquire intestinal parasites. However, prevalence of parasite intestinal infections in pregnant women residing in Bogotá is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism and to identify the association between environmental risk factors and these infections in pregnant women living in poverty conditions in four districts of Bogotá. Material and methods: A cross sectional population-based study will be carried out. A sample size of 1100 pregnant women residing in Bogota in poverty conditions will be studied. To determine prevalence, every pregnant woman, will receive instructions to collect two serial stool samples during two different days. Those samples will be analyzed by direct smear and Ritchie's concentration technique. To identify the risk factors associated with this type of infections a questionnaire based on Demographic Health Survey will be filled in the households of participants. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis will be done. Results: To know prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections allows taking preventive measures and timely treatment to impact in a positive way in pregnant women and their children's health