Open AccessHelminthic infections associated with the use of raw wastewater for agricultural purposes in Beni Mellal, Morocco
Author(s) -
Khalid Habbari,
A. Tifnouti,
Gabriel Bitton,
Ahmed Mandil
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/1999.5.5.912
Subject(s) - wastewater , agriculture , environmental health , water supply , raw water , transmission (telecommunications) , medicine , public health , geography , sewage treatment , socioeconomics , environmental science , environmental engineering , engineering , nursing , archaeology , sociology , electrical engineering
We aimed to determine the possible risks associated with raw wastewater use for agricultural purposes, particularly the transmission of helminthic infections among children. In a randomly-selected sample of 1343 children, 740 of them were from five regions using raw wastewater for agriculture, while 603 were from four control regions that do not use such water. The prevalence of helminthic infection was found to be significantly higher among children in regions using wastewater, compared to control regions. Behavioural characteristics and public water supply were found to be associated with higher infection rates. Adequate treatment of wastewater as well as public health education are highly recommended