Intestinal Parasites and Risk factors among inmates in Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Queen Ozioma Lawrence Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4968-4530
  • Dr. A. N. C. Amadi Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State
  • Chinenye Okosa Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State
  • Eberejah Juliet, John Abia State University Uturu, Abia State
  • Nsikakabasi Charles Ukpong University of Uyo
  • Prisca Chimerebere4 Aririguzo Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7663-6353

Keywords:

parasites, hookworm, infection, factors, inmates

Abstract

Human intestinal parasites are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. This study was conducted to determine intestinal parasites prevalence and risk factors in the study area. A total of 350 consented inmates aged 18->60 years participated in the study. Stool samples were screened using wet preparation and formol ether concentration method. An overall prevalence of 48.8% was recorded for intestinal parasite, which was significantly (p< 0.05) high among females. Five species of intestinal parasite were identified. The most common identified was hookworm (95, 33.5%), while the least was Trichuris trichiuria (33, 11.6%). Age group 51-60 years recorded the highest infection (63.33%) among the males, while age group 18-20 years had the least (25.0%). Age groups 51-60 and >60 years recorded 100% infections among the females. Of the 171 infections recorded, 97(56.7%) had single infection, while 74(43.3%) had multiple infections. Questionnaire analysis showed that inmates who have been in the prison for years were more parasitized. Inmates who deworm monthly, yearly and not at all accounted for 64.2%, 78.7% and 39.2% infections respectively which was significant (p< 0.05). The study revealed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the inmates. Improved healthcare and awareness is highly recommended inside the facility.

Author Biographies

Queen Ozioma Lawrence, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State

Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology

Postgraduate student

Dr. A. N. C. Amadi, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State

Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology

Associate professor

Chinenye Okosa, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State

Department of Zoology and Env ironmental Biology

Graduate student

Eberejah Juliet, John, Abia State University Uturu, Abia State

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University Uturu, Nigeria

Graduate student

Nsikakabasi Charles Ukpong, University of Uyo

Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, faculty of Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Lecturer

Prisca Chimerebere4 Aririguzo, Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria

Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria

Graduate Student

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Published

2022-12-29