Intestinal Parasitic Infection: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors at Delgi Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developing nations such as Ethiopia. Determining epidemiological information of IPI is crucial for effective public health planning and intervention. The present study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated risk factors of human IPIs at Delgi Primary Hospital, Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023. A stool specimen was collected from 404 selected participants and examined microscopically for the presence of developmental stages of the intestinal parasites. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the sociodemographic and associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, and a crude odd ratio was calculated to verify and measure the possible association between IPIs and potential risk factors. A p value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 47.20%. Six species of intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.8%) was the most predominant parasite, followed by Giardia lamblia (9.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.1%), Hookworm species (7.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (4.2%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.5%). Furthermore, double and triple parasitic infections were observed in 10.39% and 0.49% of the study participants, respectively. Not having a habit of handwashing after toilet (AOR = 2.048, CI = 0.694, 3.583, p = 0.001), the habit of eating unwashed vegetables (AOR = 3.046, CI = 0.685, 5.596, p = 0.016), and presence of dirt matter under the nail (AOR = 2.939, CI = 0.621, 4.418, p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated risk factors. This study showed that IPIs remained a public health concern in the study area. Therefore, regular provision of health education on personal hygiene and sanitation is recommended to prevent and control IPIs in the study area.