Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors in Chepang Community of Saktikhor Area, Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Pathogenic species of protozoa and helminth cause intestinal parasitosis, which continues to be a significant community well-being issue in many regions of the world, especially in pastoral regions of developing countries like Nepal. The study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the associated risk factors among the people of the Chepang community of the Saktikhor area in the Chitwan district. Materials and Methods: A transversal study was conducted between May 2017 and October 2017, with a total of 125 participants. The fecal samples were examined using a wet media (saline media, iodine preparation), concentration and sucrose flotation method. The association between risk factors and parasitic prevalence was evaluated using the Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The general prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 52%. Infections with soil-borne helminth were more common than those with cestodes and protozoa. Common intestinal parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides (69.23%), Trichuris trichiura (9.23%), Hookworm (7.69%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.62%), Hymenolepis nana (6.15%), Taenia sp. (6.15%), and Entamoeba coli (9.23%). High prevalence of infection was observed among male (53.96% ) participants and those aged over 20 years (69.44%). Pearson's chi-square test revealed a substantial relationship between prevalence of parasite and age group (P=0.0452), hand washing material (P<0.001) and preference for defecation site (P<0.001). Conclusion: Hence, a heavy occurrence of intestinal parasites within the Chepang community is particularly evident. There is a need for increased emphasis on intrusion, which can be achieved by improving personal hygiene and sanitation of participants and constructing proper sanitary toilets to prevent the spread of parasitic infections. Keywords: IPIs, Helminth, Cestode, Protozoan, HMP, NTDs, Community, Prevalence.