Hookworm infection and associated risk factors among clinically confirmed podoconiosis patients and healthy residents in Debre Elias district, East Gojjam Zone

Abstract

Background Hookworm is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The prevalence of Hookworm and associated factors among podoconiosis patients and healthy residents has not been studied.Objective to determine the prevalence of Hookworm and associated risk factors among podoconiosis patients and healthy residents.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Elias from January to February 2018. One hundred ninety two participants were included. Stool sample was collected for microscopy, kato-katz and formalin ether concentration technique. Logistic regressions were performed to assess association between variables. P-value < 0.05 was used as statistically significant.Result The prevalence of Hookworm among podoconiosis patients was 84.4% and 75% among control. Hookworm infection was relatively higher among podoconiosis patients 52.9%. Higher age group, illiterate and farmers more affected with high proportion of podoconiosis patients. Being a formers, no history of stool examination and no shoe wearing habit were significantly associated with hookworm infection (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI= (1.65- 10.11)), (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI= (1.11-8.25)) and (AOR= 3.9; 95% CI= (1.11-14.24) respectively.