Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and determinant factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam zone, Northwest Ethiopia

5^th International Conference on PARASITOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY

July 12-13, 2018 Paris, France

Tadesse Hailu, Bayeh Abera, Wondemagegn Mulu, Simachew Kassa and Ashenafi Genanew

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Intestinal parasite infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan countries. The disease burden and impact of these parasites are significantly high among pregnant women in developing countries like Ethiopia. Poor sanitation and hygiene are believed to be the major contributing factor. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection and identify the associated factors among pregnant women. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to June, 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic. Stool samples were collected and examined using Formol Ether concentration techniques. The magnitude of parasitic infection was calculated using descriptive statistics. Association between intestinal parasitic infection and determinant factors was calculated by logistic regression. The differences were considered to be statistically significant if p-value was less than 0.05. Results: A total 743 pregnant women enrolled in this study. Overall 277 (37.3%) pregnant women had intestinal parasitosis. The prevalence of hookworm 138 (18.6%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis. Dwelling in rural area (AOR: 2.9 [95% CI: 1.85-4.85]), being farmer (AOR: 1.91 [95 % CI: 1.20-3.03]), eating raw vegetables (AOR: 1.45,95%CI:0.09-0.24), proper utilization of latrine (AOR: 2.89 [95%1.18-7.08]), poor in environmental sanitation (AOR: 0.19, [95%: CI:0.08-0.47]), habit of soil eating (AOR: 0.42 [95% CI: 0.25 - 0.72]), having irrigation practice (AOR: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.29-0.77]) and lack of health education (AOR: 0.32 [95% CI: 0.13-0.77]) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infection was a major public health problem among pregnant women. High parasitic infection was associated with limited hygiene and sanitation in the study area. Therefore, awareness should be created on the prevention of intestinal parasitic infection and determinant factors during pregnancy through health education.