Prevalence and Association of Parasitic Helminths among the Cross Section of Male and Female Gender Groups at University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana

The acquisition of epidemiological information on the type and prevalence of helminths in any geographic location would be very relevant in the development of control techniques that would be advantageous as a contributing factor on the general health status of the population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and association of helminths among the two gender groups at the University of Guyana. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 36 participants that provided stool samples to be examined for helminths. The stool samples were examined using the normal saline wet mount and formalin ether sedimentation technique. The study was carried out during February-July, 2014. The data was analyzed for statistical significance using the chi-squar test. The study found that 72.2% of the sample population investigated were positive for at least one helminth, with the most prevalent helminth identified being Enterobius vermicularis (55.5%). Of the total positive stool sample, 41.6% had single infection, followed by 25.0% with double infection and triple and quadruple infection had 2.8%. The gender distinction showed 52.8% females and 47.2% males, however, it is statically insignificant. Hence, based on these findings it is clear to say that there is a prevalence of helminths among the student population at University of Guyana.