Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among asymptomatic food handlers in Wollo University student's cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health and socioeconomic problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Food-handlers that directly deal with production and distribution of foods between societies are one of the most important sources to transmit parasitic infections to humans. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among asymptomatic food-handlers working in students' cafeteria of Wollo University, Northeastern Ethiopia. Result: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 asymptomatic food handlers at Wollo University from January 1 to February 20, 2018. Among the total participants 30 (15%) were infected with at least one intestinal parasites. The dominant parasite was E. histolytica (5.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides (4%) and then G. lamblia (3%). Finger nail trimming (p = 0.002, AOR: 4.35, 95% CI 1.71-11.04), medical checkup (p = 0.012, AOR: 4.01, 95% CI 1.37-12.25) and residence (p = 0.014, AOR: 3.16, 95% CI 1.26-7.95) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers.