Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in the Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are the common health problems in developing countries with low socioeconomic and poor living conditions. IPIs affect millions of pregnant women worldwide and may lead to adverse maternal and fetal effects. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 384 pregnant women was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. Relevant information on potential risk factors associated with IPIs was gathered using a semistructured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible association between dependent and independent variables. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 36.7%. Seven species of parasites were identified. The most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasite identified was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.6%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (8.9%). The predominant helminth parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), followed by hookworm (5.2%), Taenia spp. (3.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%), and Schistosoma mansoni (1.04%). Six pregnant women (1.56%) had infection by two parasite species. The odds of IPIs were higher among illiterates ( AOR = 4.63 ), lowest monthly income earners ( AOR = 3.49 ), primigravida (pregnant for the first time) ( AOR = 2.04 ), those who used unboiled well/stream/river water for drinking ( AOR = 14.55 ), ate soil ( AOR = 2.32 ), and consumed raw vegetables ( AOR = 1.91 ). The prevalence of IPIs in the study subjects was substantially high. Thus, screening of the women for IPIs and providing health education during their antenatal care (ANC) visit are recommended to prevent possible adverse maternal and fetal effects resulting from these infections.

The effect of compliance to Hand hygiene during COVID-19 on intestinal parasitic infection and intensity of soil transmitted helminthes, among patients attending general hospital, southern Ethiopia: Observational study

“…Our data confirmed that the peoples with no formal education had 3.71 times (adjusted OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.35–7.471, p = 0.038) higher odds of IPIs when compared to those who attended any formal education. This finding confirm the conclusion made in priory study in Ethiopia [ 63 ] and the finding suggest the importance of awareness creation to prevent further transmission of IPI among illiterate individuals though this was not addressed in these studies. Analysis of result by fingernail status showed that regular trimming of figure nail was associated with an approximately 40% lower odds of any intestinal parasitic infections (adjusted OR: 0.60 (95%CI: 0.11 to 0.90)).…”

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Their Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Center at Woreilu Health Center, Woreilu, Northeast Ethiopia

“…However, several studies demonstrated the very high prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women. For instance, the overall prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women attending ANC in Yifag Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia, was 53.4% [ 18 ]; that among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, was 37.3% [ 19 ]; that among pregnant women attending prenatal care at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, was 31.5% [ 15 ]; that among pregnant women attending prenatal care in the Northwestern Ethiopia was 36.7% [ 20 ]; that among pregnant women in the Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia, was 38.7% [ 16 ]; and that among pregnant women attending ANC at public health facilities in the Lalo Kile District, Oromia, Western Ethiopia, was 43.8% [ 21 ].…”

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis in Guinea: Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

“…This finding is similar to a prevalence of 66.7% reported in Burkina Faso [ 102 ]. In contrast, lower prevalences have been reported in Ghana (14.3%), Kenya (13.8%), or Ethiopia (27.32%) [ 103 , 104 , 105 ]. A. duodenale was among the most frequent type of parasite in this group.…”