Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health problems globally. It is more common in developing countries including Ethiopia. So, adequate evidence is needed regarding the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. This study was aimed at determining the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 May to 10 June 2017 among 198 symptom-free food handlers. Data on sociodemographic variables were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected immediately after the interview using labeled wide-mouthed plastic container and clean wooden applicator. Direct wet-mount method and formal-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify intestinal parasites. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. p value of <0.05 was considered to declaration level of significance. Result The response rate was 98% (198/202). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3% (50/198). The top three intestinal parasites found in this study were Ascaris lumbricoides 7.6% (15/198), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 7.6% (15/198), and hookworm 5.6% (11/198). Inadequate handwashing practice (AOR: 13.876; 95% CI: 4.129, 46.632), inadequate knowledge about foodborne diseases (AOR: 3.596; 95% CI: 1.438, 8.989), lack of training on proper food handling (AOR: 5.960; 95% CI: 1.450, 24.497), and untrimmed fingernail (AOR: 2.939; 95% CI: 1.368, 6.135) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasites was observed among symptom-free food handlers who could be unobservable source of disease transmission. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. This implies the need for timely and adequate training and enforcement of regular medical checkup system for food handlers.
Highlights
Food is highly susceptible to contamination unless the strict hygienic procedure is followed
Knowledge of Participants on Foodborne Diseases. e study participants were assessed for their knowledge about foodborne diseases by asking eleven questions comprising of the types of foodborne diseases, things that play role in transmission of foodborne disease, and methods of prevention
Out of the total sample of two hundred two, one hundred ninety-eight participants responded to the questionnaire and provided stool sample resulting in a response rate of 98% (198/202). e overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 25.3%. is result is in close agreement with studies conducted among food handlers at the University of Gondar and Gondar Teachers Training College, Ethiopia, 29.1% [19]; Eldoret Town, Kenya, 30.5% [18]; and Gaza Strip, Palestine, 24.3% [20]
Summary
Food is highly susceptible to contamination unless the strict hygienic procedure is followed. Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health problems globally. It is more common in developing countries including Ethiopia. Is study was aimed at determining the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia. Data on sociodemographic variables were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Inadequate handwashing practice (AOR: 13.876; 95% CI: 4.129, 46.632), inadequate knowledge about foodborne diseases (AOR: 3.596; 95% CI: 1.438, 8.989), lack of training on proper food handling (AOR: 5.960; 95% CI: 1.450, 24.497), and untrimmed fingernail (AOR: 2.939; 95% CI: 1.368, 6.135) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. is implies the need for timely and adequate training and enforcement of regular medical checkup system for food handlers
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