MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT SHEWAROBIT HEALTH FACILITIES, NORTH SHOA, AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2020

Abstract

ntroduction: intestinal parasites are the most abundant and common infectious microorganism in developing countries. Globally, it remains the public health problem by affecting 3.2 billion people from which 10% were pregnant women. In Sub Saharan Africa, pregnant women are the most risky group next to children for this infection. Objective: To assess magnitude and factors associated with intestinal parasite infection among pregnant women in Shewarobit health facilities, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region. Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in health facilities at Shewarobit. Using a systematic sampling technique 356 pregnant women were selected and the first pregnant women was selected using lottery method. Data was collected by interview and laboratory microscopic stool examination. Data entry was carried out by Epidata and analyzed by using SPSS version 23.0. Binary and multiple logistic regression were performed. All variables with p-value <0.20 on bivariate analysis were taken to multivariate analysis. AOR was calculated and P-value less than 0.05 taken as statistically significant. Result: Total 347 pregnant women participated in this study with a mean age of 27.5 years old. The magnitude of total parasite (Protozoa and helminths) infection was 27.7% (95% CI: 23.1, 32.6). From protozoan; G.lmblia and from helminths; S.mansoni were the most identified parasites with magnitude of 44.8% and 31.3% respectively. Unimproved water source (AOR: 5.12, 95% CI: 1.24, 21.4) and dumping solid waste on an open field (AOR: 5.13, 95% CI: 1.38, 19.10), using toilet water for other purpose (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.18, 11.59), practice of hand washing after toilet (AOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.89) and status of health education about intestinal parasites (AOR: 6.12, 95% CI: 2.34, 12.20) were significantly associated with intestinal parasites infection. Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude parasitic infection is high (World Health Organization cut off point) and associated with environmental factors, personal hygiene practice health-related factors. Therefore, the environment and sanitation program and health education should be strengthened as well as early screening and deworming of pregnant is needed to prevent and control intestinal parasites infection.