Giardia lamblia infections and associated risk factors among patients seeking stool examination at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Giardiasis represents a significant health problem in Ethiopia, originating from the consumption of contaminated water and poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate hand washing and improper food handling. Despite various regional studies in Ethiopia, this study provides updated insights.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) infection and associated risk factors among patients who seek stool examinations at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study on 134 patients seeking stool examinations was conducted from February 15 to March 15, 2023. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The stool samples were examined using the wet mount technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. The chi-square test was performed.

Results: The results of this study revealed that the prevalence of G. lamblia infection was 18.7% (25/134; 95% CI: 12.1-25.3). This study revealed that factors such as rural residency (χ² = 2.82, p = 0.027), poorly food hygiene practices (χ² = 6.6, p = 0.03), lack of hand washing before a meal (χ² = 4.25, p = 0.003), drinking non-piped water source (χ² = 12.6, p = 0.0001), and untrimmed patient fingernails (χ² = 3.47, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with G. lamblia among patients.

Conclusions and recommendations: G. lamblia was detected in nearly one-fifth of patients. Targeted health education and improved sanitation are recommended to reduce its prevalence. Further research with larger samples is warranted.