PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN ATTENDING KIBOGORA LEVEL TWO TEACHING HOSPITAL, RWANDA

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda, to identify the source of water and their utilization in intestinal parasitic occurrence among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda; and to identify the risk factors associated with intestinal parasites occurrence among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study design with quantitative approaches at Nyamasheke in June 2022. The study includes a target population of 772 children and a sample size of 263. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene, sanitation, socio-demographic and economic characteristics (risk factors), and secondary data from 2019-2022 were used. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 102(38.7%). In this study the prevalence of Ascaris 56(21.3%) was the highest followed by amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) 24(9.1%), Giardia lamblia 8(3.0%), Trichomonas intestinalis 7(2.6%) and Ankilostoma duodenale 7(2.6%). Other intestinal parasites detected such as Necator americanus and Trichiuris trichiura were identified at less than one percent prevalence. A chi-squared test was used to establish a relationship between different variables. The chi-squared shows that there is no statistically significant association between the marital status category of the children and having latrines at home with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and a p-value 0.183 of there was no statistically significant association. utensils drying site with a chi-squared value of 5.422 and p-value of .000 there was a statistically significant association. Drinking boiled water with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of .97. Washing hands before a meal with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of 98. Washing hands after defecation with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and p-value of .193, there is no statistical significance. Finally, the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in under-five children warrants strict control measures for microbial reduction through the utensils-drying site, improved hygiene and sanitation, and treatment of drinking water should be considered.

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