1. Abu Mourad, T. Palestinian refugee conditions associated with intestinal parasites and diarrhoea: Nuseirat refugee camp as a case study. Public Health 2004; 118: 131-142.

The aim of this study is to assess the socioeconomic-demographic, environmental health and hygiene conditions associated with intestinal parasites and diarrhoea in Nuseirat Refugee Camp of Gaza Strip. A cross-section of 1625 households were surveyed. A stratified sample was used and drawn from the eight Blocks. Face-to-face Interviews were administered for data collection. Piloted and validated questionnaires along with specific checklists were used as instruments. The results showed that a total of 485 women interviewed (29.8%) reported intestinal parasites among their household members; 223 (13.7%) admitted cases of diarrhoea. The highest prevalence of intestinal parasites (24.1%) was found among children aged 1–4 years; the highest prevalence of diarrhoea (10.6%) was found among children younger than 1 year. Intestinal parasites were strongly associated with crowding, source of drinking water and the cleaning of water tanks, and were significantly higher among families with unclean homes. Diarrhoea was strongly associated with source of drinking water, a full-day water supply and cleaning of water tanks, and was significantly higher among families with a presence of mosquitoes and garbage around their homes.