Mothers' Knowledge about Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pre-School Children at Primary Health Care Centers

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a major health problem that adversely affects the population, involving in excess of one billion people worldwide. Preschool children represent a particularly vulnerable population at elevated risk of infection. Maternal knowledge deficits about proper food hygiene practices and personal sanitation represent serious risk factors contributing to the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections among children. Adequate knowledge, a good attitude, and preventive practice against this infection can significantly mitigate the spread of intestinal infection. The current study aims to assess the level of mothers' knowledge about intestinal parasitic infections for pre-school children and examine the association between the descriptive, cross-sectional study design, which was performed from April 15th, 2025, to October 29th, 2025. A total of (210) mother samples were collected from the Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Najaf city, Iraq. A (113) male child was (53.8%), mother’s jobs were (66.2%) of them housewives, primary school was the highest percentage level (32.9%). The general mean showed that the mothers have a good level of knowledge about intestinal worms. Personal characteristics of mothers, such as the number of children in the home, mothers’ job, and their levels of education, show a significant association when (P ≤ 0.05). The current study revealed that the majority of mothers have good knowledge about intestinal worms. Raising awareness about intestinal worms by publishing posters and establishing more programs of continuing education. Advising mothers to visit the nearest healthcare center if they notice any signs or symptoms of Intestinal parasitic infections.