Mother knowledge, attitudes, perception regarding intestinal parasites and diarrhoea in three regions of Gaza strip, Palestine.

The knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) among mothers towards intestinal parasites and diarhoea in three regions in Gaza strip were studied. A total of 659 mothers of children attended a primary health care centre (PHCC) for medical services were selected. Data were obtained through self administered questionnaire which distributed to each mother attending the PHCC. The questionnaire included some sociodemographic, economical information and implemented in year 2006. In the present study age group ranged between 15 and more than 35 years. It was found that children belonging to mothers in the age groups 15-25 years and > 35 years old were found infected with intestinal parasites and diarrhea and had similar prevalences (37.3 & 37.1%). Mother education had a positive effect for the decreasing of parasitosis among children. The variation in the prevalence of intestinal parasites due to region was noted where the south of Gaza Strip had the high prevalence (40.6%) with a significant difference (p = 0.004). Children living in houses with sandy yards was infected with intestinal parasites more those living in houses with tiles (p = .02).