Quality of Life of Patients with Intestinal Parasites Assessed Through a Logistic Regression Model

Abstract

Introduction: The agents that cause intestinal parasitic diseases are protozoa and helminthes, through the involvement of the intestine of living beings. The concern about such diseases arises from the consequences caused in man, after installed in the body, and the symptoms they cause, such as nausea and vomiting. It is noteworthy that the intestinal parasitic diseases are among the neglected diseases in Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with intestinal parasites treated at a Public Service of João Pessoa, applying a Logistic Regression Model. Method: This is an observational, analytical study, with cross-sectional design. Data were collected in the laboratory of the service. The sample consisted of 135 patients, aged 18-59 years, who had request for stool analysis. Their invitation occurred through an individual approach and, then, they received the Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36. Results: The sample consisted of 135 patients: 80 had diagnosis of some intestinal parasitic disease - 56 classified as pathogenic and 24, as intestinal commensals. Statistical analysis revealed that, among the studied variables, the type of animal; marital status; constipation; functional capacity domain; pain domain; mental health domain; vomiting and abdominal colic, provided evidence about which associates with the presence or absence of intestinal parasites, making the first final model.

Conclusion: Some variables acted as factors of risk for the presence of intestinal parasites and impaired quality of life.