Discussion

Background Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness especially those spread through oral-faecal route. The present study aimed to examine the effect of hand washing technique on the control of intestinal parasites among school children in Gaza. Methods A total 508 children from primary school children were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites and then the infected children were divided into case and control groups based on match criteria. Hand washing and health education were applied on case group and then the second stool sample was examined from both case and control groups. . Results and analysis It was found that 118 child (23.2 %) was infected with intestinal parasitic infection in the base line sample. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the highest protozoa detected among school children in this study (73.3%), the prevalence of intestinal parasites became 15.5% for case group after application of hand washing technique, abdominal pain was the highest symptom that children suffering from it. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among children was reduced after the application of hand washing from 23.2% to 15.5%, the prevalence of intestinal parasites in male higher than female due to variant behaviour of both sexes. Conclusions and implications for policy, practice or additional research The prevalence of intestinal parasites among children was reduced after the application of hand washing from 23.2% to 15.5%, the prevalence of intestinal parasites in male higher than female due to variant behaviour of both sexes. It is recommended to apply hand washing in Gaza Strip schools and engage both health authorities and community in this task. .Key words:.Hand washing technique, Intestinal parasites, Primary school children, Gaza city.