Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Marginalized Populations: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among the Bantar Community of Sunsari, Nepal.

Abstract

Background: Nepal continues to exhibit a high burden of intestinal parasite infections (IPIs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among the indigenous Bantar community in Koshi Rural Municipality, Sunsari, Nepal.

Methods: A total of 180 individuals aged 10-70 years were selected through convenience sampling. Stool samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Information on demographic and behavioral characteristics was gathered using a structured questionnaire. Three diagnostics techniques (direct wet mount, saturated salt flotation, and formal ether sedimentation) were employed to identify IPIs. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine association between the predictors and IPIs.

Results: The overall prevalence of IPIs was 53.3% (n = 96). Helminthic infections accounted for 33.3% (n = 61), whereas protozoan infections were observed in 19.4% (n = 35). The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (16%, n = 29), followed by Giardia lamblia (12.2%, n = 22), Hymenolepis nana (8.3%, n = 15), Entamoeba histolytica (7.2%, n = 13), Strongyloides stercoralis (6.7%, n = 12), and Trichuris trichiura (2.8%, n = 5). Notably, E. histolytica infection was exclusively found in females (14.4%, n = 13) and absent in males. Multivariate logistic regression identified nail-biting behavior as a significant predictor of intestinal parasitic infections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-6.9).

Conclusions: These findings highlight a substantial parasitic burden in the Bantar community and suggest that lifestyle and hygiene-related behaviors significantly contributed to infection risk. Targeted health education programs focusing on sanitation, personal hygiene, and food safety are urgently needed to mitigate the high prevalence of IPIs in this vulnerable population.