Basic Amenities Research Articles

BEST-COST project: a scoping review on the use of multiple deprivation indices in Europe

Abstract Background A Multiple Deprivation Index (MDI) is a composite measure designed to comprehensively evaluate the socio-economic status of individuals within a population. While various countries have employed their own versions of MDI to assess deprivation, none have been developed at the European level thus far. The BEST-COST project (www.best-cost.eu) aims to integrate the dimension of social inequalities in the assessment of the burden of environmental stressors, using a new MDI. Therefore, the objective of this study is to conduct a scoping review to identify and assess current MDIs while extracting details on the methodologies employed in their development. Methods We conducted a scoping review on deprivation indices in European countries, encompassing three databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Science). Following screening of all the articles based on inclusion criteria, we specifically examined the methodological choices made across the development of the MDIs, such as the choice of the underlying indicators, geographical scales, data source used, and if and/or how indicator weighting was applied in creating a composite score. Results In total, 22 MDIs were identified from 195 articles. 42% of these indices were developed from census data at the municipality level or finer. About half of them (55%) employed weighting of indicators, thereby reflecting their relative importance within the index’s score. From these 22 MDIs, a total of 156 individual indicators were extracted. These indicators encompass several domains such as basic amenities, crime, education, employment, family structure or income. The extensive variety of indicators can be attributed to cultural differences within the EU, data availability and the specific time period during which each index was developed. Conclusions Several European countries have separately developed their own MDI, showcasing significant variability in both the included individual indicators and the methodologies applied. Key messages • This review highlights the variability of existing indices and which methodologies could be used for the development of a Europe-wide multiple deprivation index. • It further emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences and data availability across countries in this process.

Paradox of Tribal Integration Amidst Resistance: A Study of Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir

The article examines how the Bakarwal, a Scheduled Tribe in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has survived the double paradox of being both a marginalised community and the inhabitants of a sensitive border region. Traditionally, the Bakarwals are transhumance pastoralists and have had limited access to education, healthcare and other basic amenities. While government interventions represent a pivotal transition in their day-to-day lives, they are vulnerable to exploitation by influential proprietors and vested interests, perpetuating a complex web of social dynamics. The article argues that a stark disconnect exists between the policies projected by the government and the ground-level realities faced by the Bakarwals. Adopting the theoretical framework on everyday resistance, the article explicates the Bakarwals’ ambivalence about state-led development initiatives intended to facilitate their transition from transhumance nomadism to sedentism.

Cross-sectional study for profiling health status, health-related demographics, and health-seeking behaviour of the Scheduled Caste Population in selected areas of Chennai and Chengalpet Districts of Tamil Nadu

Background: Scheduled Caste (SC) population forms a large section of the Indian population who are often marginalised and deprived of social, economic and health benefits due to ignorance and socio-cultural milieu. Though various studies have been conducted on the socio-economic and political conditions of the SC population in Tamil Nadu, limited data is available on the status and determinants of their health. Objectives: The study's objectives were to estimate the health status of the SC population, health-related socio-demographic conditions and the population's health-seeking behaviour. Method: The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in five SC-predominant areas of Chennai and Chengalpet districts of Tamil Nadu. Their health status, socio- demographic conditions, including household conditions, and health-seeking behaviour were estimated. Result: A total of 1452 households and 6072 participants of the SC community were studied, mostly belonging to the Adidravida community. Most households were of Upper-lower socioeconomic class with basic household amenities. A total of 11.54% of the adult population had a history of diagnosed chronic illnesses. Nearly one-fifth of reproductive-age women had menstrual irregularities. Non-communicable and infectious diseases were the most frequent reason for health care centre visits. Conclusion: Extensive and continuous screening of health status and chronic diseases is essential for early diagnosis and intervention. Focused interventions on improving socio- demographic status can further strengthen the health condition of the SC community. Integrating all systems of medicine in public health can help cater to the health requirements of all sections of the community. Concerted efforts can cut down the burden of chronic diseases.

Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

BackgroundThe impact of rapid urbanization taking place across the world is posing variegated challenges. Especially in terms of communicable disease, the risk is more concentrated in urban poor areas where basic amenities are inadequate. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the effective community-based interventions (CBIs) aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases among the urban poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. A comprehensive search across five major databases was conducted to capture literature on CBIs published between 2011 and 2021. Scientific articles of any design that reported any type of CBIs effective in preventing and controlling infectious diseases (tuberculosis, diarrhea, typhoid, dengue, hepatitis B and C, influenza, and COVID-19) were included. Screening and selection of studies were done by two pairs of independent researchers using the predefined eligibility criteria. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the modified checklist outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Analysis of effective CBIs was guided by the conceptual framework for integrated CBIs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and narrative synthesis was carried out. Geographical restrictions were limited to LMICs and papers published in English.ResultsOut of 18,260 identified papers, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Community-based screening and socio-economic support, community-based vector control, behavior change communication, capacity building of the community health workers (CHWs), health education, and e- and m-health interventions were found as effective CBIs. Diversified CBIs were found to be effective for specific diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), diarrhea, dengue, influenza and ARI, and hepatitis B and C. Bundling of interventions were found to be effective against specific diseases. However, it was difficult to isolate the effectiveness of individual interventions within the bundle. The socio-cultural context was considered while designing and implementing these CBIs.ConclusionThe effectiveness of an intervention is inextricably linked to social context, stakeholder dimensions, and broader societal issues. System approach is recommended, emphasizing context-specific, multi-component interventions that address social determinants of health. Integrating these interventions with public health strategies and community involvement is crucial for sustainable outcomes. These findings can guide the design of future interventions for better prevention and control of communicable diseases in urban poor areas.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021278689.

Rethinking Health Systems Responsiveness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Validation Study.

Health systems responsiveness (HSR) is the ability of systems to respond to legitimate non-health expectations of the population. The concept of HSR by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes respect for dignity, individual autonomy, confidentiality, prompt attention to care, availability of basic amenities, choice of provider, access to social support networks, and clarity of communication. The WHO tool is applied globally to assess HSR in low, middle, and high-income countries. We have revised the conceptual framework of HSR following a rigorous systematic review and made it specific for low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs). This study is designed to (1) run the Delphi technique to validate the upgraded conceptual framework of HSR, (2) modify and upgrade the WHO measurement tool for assessing HSR in the context of L&MICs, and (3) determine the validity of the upgraded HSR measurement tool by pilot testing it in Pakistan. The Delphi technique will be run by inviting global public health experts to provide suggestions on the domains and subdomains of HSR specific to L&MICs. Cronbach ɑ will be calculated to determine internal consistency among the participants. The upgraded HSR conceptual framework will serve as a beacon to modify the measurement tool by the research team, which will be reviewed by subject experts for refinement. The modified tool will be pilot-tested by administering it to 1128 participants from primary, secondary, and tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi district, Pakistan. Additionally, an "observation checklist" of HSR domains and subdomains will be completed to objectively measure the state of HSR across health care facilities. HSR assessment will be further strengthened by incorporating the perspective of hospital managers, service providers, and policy makers (ie, the supply side) as well as community leaders and representatives (ie, the demand side) through qualitative interviews. The study was started in January 2024 and will continue until February 2025. A multidimensional approach will yield significant quantifiable information on HSR from the demand and supply sides of L&MICs. This study will provide a conceptual understanding of HSR and a corresponding measurement tool specific to L&MICs. It will contribute to global public health literature and provide a snapshot of HSR in Rawalpindi district, Pakistan, with concrete action points for policy makers. DERR1-10.2196/59836.

Uncovering patterns of disadvantage in student socioeconomic data using k-means clustering and association rule mining

This study employs a combination of k-means clustering and association rule mining to analyze socioeconomic data from 507 students at a community school in Udon Thani Province, Thailand, highlighting the pronounced economic inequalities impacting educational opportunities. By integrating these data mining techniques, the research categorizes students into four income-based clusters and identifies critical socioeconomic attributes influencing educational access and quality. The application of k-means clustering revealed four distinct economic categories within the student population, with the lowest income cluster significantly lacking in basic amenities such as air conditioning and agricultural vehicles, which are essential for their living and educational environments. Association rule mining was then applied to identify household attributes linked to the ‘very low’ income classification. Fourteen association rules were discovered, with support values ranging from 0.43 to 0.44, confidence levels between 0.81 and 0.82, and lift values consistently at 1.1. Key findings reveal that the absence of basic amenities such as air conditioning, agricultural vehicles, computers, and televisions are strongly associated with the lowest socioeconomic status. For instance, the rule {AirCondition=N, TV=N} => {Cluster=Very Low} had a support of 0.44, confidence of 0.81, and lift of 1.1, indicating households lacking these items have an 81% probability of being classified in the ‘very low’ income group. Notably, the presence of electricity did not correlate directly with higher income clusters, indicating that basic infrastructure access alone does not mitigate the broader socioeconomic challenges. These findings underscore the complex interplay between income levels and access to educational and basic living resources. The study’s implications are profound, advocating for targeted educational policies and interventions that address the nuanced needs of economically disadvantaged students, thereby enhancing their educational outcomes and socioeconomic mobility. Future research directions include broadening the dataset to multiple schools across different regions and conducting longitudinal studies to reveal long-term effects of socioeconomic factors on education.

Footprints of drought risk on Africa’s agricultural, water and nutritional security

Abstract Prolonged and recurrent droughts seriously threaten Africa’s food and water security. This threat frequently coexists with human-induced calamities, such as domestic and international conflicts and civil unrest, which could exacerbate the socio-economic instability already present in the region. Using a novel data-driven approach, we evaluated how drought risk in Africa affects the security of various crucial sectors of sustainable development, such as agriculture, water, and food nutrition/health (referred here as ‘nutritional’). Our findings show that different sectors and geographical areas exhibit distinct risk footprints. In Central African countries, for instance, we found that social instability linked to higher nutritional risk is more prevalent than that resulting from the agriculture and water sectors. Socio-economic volatility rather than uncertainty in the climate is the primary driver of this elevated nutritional risk. However, most Northern African countries are at risk of considerable agriculture and water insecurity because of extreme water stress and unstable climate trends. We indicate that the risk is majorly driven by recurrent drought events in Southern Africa, which significantly affect inclusive sectoral securities. The cause of higher risks in Eastern and Western Africa has been found to be an unfavorable interaction of all the risk components—vulnerability, exposure, and hazard. Notably, basic amenities, climate stability, and access to sustainable and renewable water sources are often missing from Africa’s sectoral risk hotspots. Our results emphasize the necessity of maximizing the efficacy of bottom-up initiatives to achieve sustainable food and water security, by integrating socio-economic policies and climate change at the granular level through observation.

Determining Consumer Preferences In Choosing Low Budget Accommodation Services In Medan City With Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) Analysis

The hotel accommodation service industry in Medan City has witnessed significant growth following the pandemic, driven by increased business and tourism activities. With over 200 hotels in the city, there is a notable presence of middle-class hotels offering affordable prices. This study aims to determine consumer preferences in choosing low-budget accommodation services using Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) analysis. The CBC method presents consumers with a series of menus featuring different hotel attributes, such as location, facilities, and price, to identify which attributes most influence their preferences. A sample of 40 respondents was analyzed to identify key factors influencing their hotel choices. The results revealed that consumers prioritize hotels located outside the central city area, with free internet service, basic room amenities, availability of a café or lounge, breakfast services, and non-smoking rooms. The study found that breakfast service is the most important attribute, followed by the availability of non-smoking rooms. These insights can help low budget hotel or managers in Medan City to modify their services to better meet consumer demands and improve market positioning.

Examination of Housing Quality in The Peri-Urban Areas of Akure, Nigeria

Rapid urban population expansion, high living costs, and a need for affordable housing all encourage migration to Akure’s peri-urban districts. This drive has led to increased land utilization for housing development in peri-urban areas. This study evaluated housing quality in the peri-urban areas of Oba-Ile, Oda, and Ibule-Soro in Akure. Households were the unit of analysis, with one household head per building selected for questionnaire administration. Based on an average household size of five people per family and five households per building in Ondo State, the total number of households in the three locations was 47,110. From the 47,110 households, 800 households (1.7%) were randomly selected for the questionnaire administration. Data from the field survey were subjected to statistical analysis. The results revealed that some buildings were structurally unsound; most buildings had corrugated iron roofs and lacked sanitation infrastructure; and open defecation was commonplace, particularly in Ibule-Soro. These findings call for better urban planning and investment in basic amenities to improve housing quality and living standards in peri-urban areas.

Readiness to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care: a cross-sectional study in 30 health facilities in Tanzania

BackgroundDespite the global progress in bringing health services closer to the population, mothers and their newborns still receive substandard care leading to morbidity and mortality. Health facilities’ capacity to deliver the service is a prerequisite for quality health care. This study aimed to assess health facilities’ readiness to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC), comprising of blood transfusion, caesarean section and basic services, and hence to inform improvement in the quality of care interventions in Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional assessment of 30 CEmONC health facilities implementing the Safer Births Bundle of Care package in five regions of Tanzania was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021. We adapted the World Health Organization’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool to assess amenities, equipment, trained staff, guidelines, medicines, and diagnostic facilities. Composite readiness scores were calculated for each category and results were compared at the health facility level. For categorical variables, we tested for differences by Fisher’s exact test; for readiness scores, differences were tested by a linear mixed model analysis, taking into account dependencies within the regions. We used p < 0.05 as our level of significance.ResultsThe overall readiness to provide CEmONC was 69.0% and significantly higher for regional hospitals followed by district hospitals. Average readiness was 78.9% for basic amenities, 76.7% for medical equipment, 76.0% for diagnosis and treatment commodities, 63.6% for staffing and 50.0% for guidelines. There was a variation in the availability of items at the individual health facility level and across levels of facilities. We found a significant difference in the availability of basic amenities, equipment, staffing, and guidelines between regional, and district hospitals and health centres (p = 0.05). Regional hospitals had significantly higher scores of medical equipment than district hospitals and health centers (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the availability of commodities for diagnosis and treatment between different facility levels.ConclusionFacilities’ readiness was inadequate and varied across different levels of the facility. There is room to improve the facilities’ readiness to deliver quality maternal and newborn care. The responsible authorities should take immediate actions to address the observed deficiencies while carefully choosing the most effective and feasible interventions and monitoring progress in readiness.

Double Burden of Malnutrition and Other Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Group Women in Assam, India

Objective: This study aims to assess the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) and its associated factors among reproductive age group women in Assam, India. Methods: Based on a multistage sampling procedure, a total of 736 reproductive age group women from four districts of Assam were selected as the final sample unit. The sample units are grouped as rural (total 310 samples) and urban (total 426 samples) and data is collected from June to December 2022 based on a structured questionnaire. The classical measure of anthropometry is used to collect data on the height and weight of the respondents. The anthropometric rod to the nearest 0.1 cm is used to measure women’s height and a portable weighing machine is used to measure their weights. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of sample women is calculated to assess the existing double burden of malnutrition. Findings: It is found that around 40 % of women in the study area are at risk of DBM. The risk of underweight is higher among rural women (29.4%). On the other hand, the severity of overweight is higher among urban women (20.2%) as compared to their rural counterparts (14.2%). The multinomial logistic regression analysis shows that women belonging to food-insecure households are at a 0.674 % higher risk of being underweight. Women’s employment and availability of basic amenities reduce the risk of being underweight by 47.2% and 80.9% respectively. Women’s dietary diversity, employment, and their age significantly affect their overweight status. Novelty: The socioeconomic and demographic factors considered in the study are based on household level as well as women’s individual status and quantify the potential qualitative issues affecting women’s DBM. This study will certainly provide a basis for further research on DBM in different settings and thereby to adopt strategic interventions. Keywords: Underweight, Overweight, Body Mass Index, Reproductive women, Assam

Health system responsiveness and its associated factors for intrapartum care in conflict affected areas in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn Ethiopia, information about health system responsiveness (HSR) in conflict-affected areas is limited. No previous local study was conducted on the assessment of HSR at the community level. Hence, the...

Factors that influence choice of residence by urban informal settlement dwellers in an intermediate city: A case study of Enugu, Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;The consequences of urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa are poverty, insecurity, and the growth of informal settlements. These settlements are characterized by overcrowding, tenure insecurity, a lack of basic services and amenities, and many other deprivations. The current study looks at the social and environmental problems faced by residents and the factors responsible for their choice to reside in an informal settlement in Enugu using the survey research method. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. Whereas the former source includes a structured questionnaire and observations, the latter source comprises relevant literature. A total of 111 questionnaires were distributed to household heads in five selected informal settlements in Enugu. The data set was collated and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Principal component analysis was used to classify and determine the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The study revealed that six factors influence the choice of residence in informal settlements: government/political influence, social integration/services, housing/employment, infrastructure accessibility, livelihood costs and security/economy. The factors accounted for 72.11 percent of the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The major social challenges faced by residents are gambling, drug abuse, and overcrowding. The study recommends that low-cost housing that is affordable should be provided for the low-income group that characterizes informal settlements in Enugu metropolis.&lt;/p&gt;

PMAY Scheme and Beneficiary Satisfaction-An Explorative Study

This research work explores the satisfaction of beneficiaries participating in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing program in Belagavi. PMAY, the Indian government's project, promises to offer affordable housing to the urban poor. The study undertakes primary as well as secondary data collection, which proceeds with collecting data on recipient satisfaction using a questionnaire. Quality of the house, better living conditions, accessibility of basic amenities like electricity, and sanitation are all important criteria in defining satisfaction. The data show that beneficiaries' satisfaction levels differ depending on demographics, economic position, and execution problems. Understanding beneficiary satisfaction is critical for officials seeking to meet program performance and maintain sustainable urban development. Key words - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, housing scheme, beneficiary satisfaction, Belagavi city, affordable housing, urban poor

Comparative Cost Analysis of Hypercholesterolemia Treatment: Allopathic Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine

The cost of treatment is very high for CVD and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia is also very high in developing countries. Many Indian people do not have basic amenities and medical facilities are also not accessible. So alternative medicine can play an important role in the treatment of high cholesterol. Arjuna and Kutki are effective medicines in treating high cholesterol. Methodology: Comparative cross sectional study was planned to determine the socio-economic, and demographic status and comparison of treatment costs of high cholesterol patients in SS Hospital, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Result: The overall expenditure for Group B is significantly high (3670.06) compared to Group A (1341.10). Medicine costs form the largest portion of expenses in Group B (1:4.8), while laboratory costs are the largest in Group A. Discussion: The economic burden poses a significant challenge in the treatment of any illness. Elevated cholesterol levels pose a significant problem in the current state of affairs in India. Developing countries face significant challenges in managing their financial issues.

Assessing the vulnerability of selected coastal informal settlements to floods in the Old Brahmaputra River floodplain, Bangladesh

Urban informal communities in floodplains are particularly vulnerable to flooding and are often overlooked in the disaster response and development strategy. Therefore, determining the vulnerability of such communities is crucial for enhancing resilience and facilitating effective disaster preparedness. This study assesses the vulnerability of three low-income informal urban settlements in the Old Brahmaputra River floodplains of Bangladesh. A total of 15 indicators against three major sub-components of vulnerability (social, physical, and economic) are selected to calculate the index using the analytical hierarchy process and simple average method. Findings revealed moderate vulnerability in all selected communities. ANOVA revealed a significant difference in vulnerability indices among these selected settlements. It was further observed that, unlike community characteristics, the vulnerability levels tend to be influenced by the choice of analytical approach. Based on the study findings, the concerned organizations can implement measures like improving means of risk communication, providing basic amenities, and promoting social capital, which can be utilized to enhance the adaptive capacities of informal settlements.

Living on the Margins, Working in the Planned: Domestic Workers Traversing to/Between Squatter Settlements and Planned Colonies in South and South-West Delhi

This article explores the lives and labour dynamics of domestic workers in Delhi, focusing on their work in planned colonies and residence in jhuggi jhopri (JJ) clusters, or squatter settlements. Through narratives and in-depth interviews, it explores the complex interplay between these women’s employment and the broader urban landscape. The study investigates the intergenerational journey of domestic workers, tracing their migration from rural areas to urban centres in search of better opportunities. Further, it unpacks the realities of exclusion faced by domestic workers, residing in JJ clusters, which often lack legally secured tenure rights and access to basic amenities. The article examines the systematic flow of labour from JJ clusters to nearby planned colonies, where domestic workers play a crucial role in the functioning of households. Despite contributing significantly to the urban workforce, domestic workers remain in the shadows of planned development, enduring informality and inadequate legal protections. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this research highlights the socio-spatial dynamics that confine domestic workers to their settlements and restrict their mobility options. By understanding the intricate relationships between gendered work and urbanisation, this study aims to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and equitable urban spaces, shelter and employment in Delhi and beyond.

Socio-economic Impacts of Forests Rights Act on the Individual Title Holders: An Analytical Study among the Lanjia Saoras of Odisha

The present study examines the socio-economic impacts of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 on Individual Forest Rights (IFR) title holders from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of Lanjia Saora in the Gumma block of Gajapati district, Odisha. It analyses the socioeconomic status, land use patterns, occupations, and convergence of government schemes for IFR households across 4 villages through household surveys and focus group discussions covering 52 households. Key findings i.e reveal livelihood dependence on agriculture, agricultural wage labour and lack of basic amenities like pucca housing, electricity and toilets for majority of households. While some support have been provided through rural housing, land development and horticulture schemes, the coverage remains limited. The study therefore recommends increasing awareness about FRA, promoting cash crops, horticulture, Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) collection and marketing, skill development for off-farm livelihoods, improving connectivity and public infrastructure etc. It conlude the need to address developmental gaps of tribal IFR holders through appropriate policies and convergence of government schemes at the district level.

Service Readiness of Primary Health Care Facilities for Non-Communicable Diseases Management.

NCDs prevalence and associated risk factors impacts on the burden of disease and premature mortality. Effective NCD service delivery requires well equipped facilities with trained providers and resources. Evaluating readiness and its determinant is crucial for enhancing NCD management. The study examines readiness in primary health care facilities for managing non-communicable disease in Syangja district. A cross-sectional research was conducted among 117 Primary health care facility health workers in Nepal's Syangja District. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using modified WHO-SARA tool. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between NCD readiness and its associated factors and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine the strength of the correlation. Only 6 percent of the healthcare facilities in Syangja district had developed the system for readiness against non-communicable diseases. The mean percentage scores for service-specific domains ranged from 40% to 58%, indicating variations in readiness across different domains mainly contributed by basic amenities and training. Approximately 80.3% of health facilities received support from the local government, while equipment or commodities support was provided to the third- quarter of the health facilities. Total service readiness was very low in the diagnostic and medicine facilities of Syangja. It demonstrates that there is a discrepancy between the present situation of the incremental trend of NCDs and the related level of service preparedness in primary health care settings. The development of the service readiness mechanism is imperative considering the increasingprevalence of non-communicable diseases in Syangja.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitoses among residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita of Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the world, with the most prevalent burden occurring in poverty-stricken areas. Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic in certain parts of Nigeria as a result of poor hygiene practices and pollution, which result in contamination of food and water. In semi-urban and rural communities where the dwellers are generally poor and uneducated and lack basic amenities like potable water supply and good sanitary facilities, intestinal parasitic infections cause major health problems. This study was to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors in the transmission of intestinal parasitoses among the residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita Communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: this was a cross-sectional survey between April 2019 and August 2019. Samples were obtained from 359 participants in the study areas and examined for stool analysis using direct microscopy and brine floatation technique. Socio-demographic data of the study subjects were obtained using questionnaires. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in Ekemkpon (41.0%) than in Idim Ita (14.9%). Participants with mixed infections in Ekemkpon were 7.9%, while those in Idim Ita were 2.2%. The study has shown that level of education had an influence on the transmission of intestinal parasites in Ekemkpon (p&lt;0.05). Open defecation played a major role as a source of contamination of domestic water and farm products in the Ekemkpon community. The overall helminthic infections in the two study areas were higher than the protozoan infections observed in this study. The only intestinal protozoa in Ekemkpon was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar while hookworm species were the commonest helminthic parasites in Ekemkpon. Balantidium coli (4.4%) was the most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasites in Idim Ita while hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.8%) were the most occurring helminthic parasites in Idim Ita. Conclusions: it is recommended that strategies aimed at health education, diagnosing and treating those positive for intestinal parasite infections, and improving the general well-being of the masses be encouraged.