Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health issue in developing countries particularly in Sub -Saharan Africa. It has been estimated to affect about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children. Aims: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, between May to November 2017. Methodology: A total of 245 participants were enrolled in the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopic examination. Results: Finding revealed that 29 (11.8%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Males  recorded  higher  prevalence  than  the  females  with 19 (11.9%)  and  10 (11.7%),  respectively. Conclusion: Low level of  education,  occupational  status, poor water supply  were  among the significant  risk  factors  for  these  infections. Prevalence and  intensity  of  parasitic  infections  among  the  study community could be reduce by Creating awareness, level of sanitation, water supply and deworming programme  among  school  children.