Risk factors of Enterobius vermicularis infection with symptoms among children in Erbil Governorate

Enterobius vermicularis is an intestinal helminthic parasite that causes a gastrointestinal infection called enterobiasis. Children are more susceptible to infection than adults. The current study was aimed to explore the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection among children in Erbil. This study was conducted among 400 children (1-15). Cellophane tape samples were taken from participants and examined microscopically. Using SPSS version 23 for statistical analysis. The total prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 10.5%. The highest rate was recorded none significantly higher in males (11.05%) than in females (10%). The highest rate of infection recorded in the age group 6-10 was 12.9% with a significant difference was observed between the age group concerning enterobiasis. According to the residency significant difference was observed with a higher rate of infection in the urban region (16%). Statistically, the analysis showed a significant relationship between enterobiasis and mother's jobs the infection was highly recorded among children who have employed mothers which were 18.52% and the lower rate was 9.25% among children who have unemployed mothers. A significant difference was observed between enterobiasis and months of study, the highest rate of infection was 16% recorded in march 2019 and the lowest rate was 3.08% recorded in December 2018. 35% of children who did not wash their hands were affected by E. vermicularis and there was observed high significant difference with hand washing. Significant difference detected between enterobiasis and finger sucking, that 25.58% who sucked their fingers were affected by E. vermicularis. No significant difference between enterobiasis and enuresis was reported in this study. The statistically significant relationship among children with anal itching was 17.95% detected. The prevalence of E.  vermicularis was still high in children of Erbil City.