Intestinal parasitic infection-intensity, prevalence and associated risk factors, a study in the general population from the Uttarakhand hills

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infection-intensity, prevalence and associated risk factors, a study in the general population from the Uttarakhand hills Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is an important public health problem in developing countries. Low socioeconomic conditions, lack of access to potable drinking water, poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and identify the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: Study was performed on 327 stool specimens of all age groups from August 2012 to May 2013. Specimen collected and examined with direct wet mount, formal ether sedimentation and salt fl otation methods. Results: Out of the total 327 participants prevalence of intestinal infections was 11.62%. Among the Protozoa, Giardia lamblia (3.06%) was the most common, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (0.92%). Hookworm (2.75%) and Hymenolepis nana (2.14%) were the most common helminthes found. Parasitosis was seen more in female (17.07%) than male (8.33%) and highest between 51 and 60 years (22.22%) age group with risk factors like open defecation (22.69%), untreated river water (17.91%) and among people living in rural areas (15.17%). Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness about safe drinking water, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation and to take urgent remedial steps to prevent and control intestinal parasitic infections.