Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasites And Associated Demograhic Risk Factors Among Patients Attending State Specialist Hospital, Gombe

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoan are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. High prevalence of parasitic infections may be due to one of the risk factors including low levels of environmental sanitation, lack of safe water supply, poor hygiene, low socio-economic status, poverty, improper garbage disposal and impoverished health services. Objective: The study aimed to determine the Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated demographic risk factors among patients attending specialist hospital Gombe, Nigeria. Methods:The study was conducted in state specialist hospital Gombe. Faecal samples were collected from two hundred and thirty-three (233) patients. The stool specimens were subjected to direct saline and iodine mount for microscopic and macroscopic identification. Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite was 36 (15.45%) and the most commonly isolated intestinal parasite from patients stool was Entamaeba histolytica (6.44%) based on the laboratory findings. Statistically, age was associated with the Intestinal parasitic infection. Difference in prevalence values of intestinal helminthes parasites between sexes were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the percentage of infection in both male and female patients was equal. Patients within the child age group had the highest prevalence 32(13.73%) followed by Adolescent age 3 (1.28%) and Adult 1(0.42%). Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasite among patients attending state specialist hospital Gombe was 15.45%. The infestation was more prevalent in children, and the age range of 1-12 was a significant risk factor.