Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasite Infections in a Resettled Indigenous Community in Malaysia

Abstract

In Malaysia, the Orang Asli community (the indigenous people of Malaysia) are prone to intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) due to their living environment, socio-cultural and personal hygiene practices. The prevalence and potential risk factors for infection among the indigenous community in Kg. Serendah in Malaysia was investigated. Stool samples were collected from 110 participating villagers who were then interviewed to obtain information on socio-demographic, behavioural, and environmental sanitation. The stool samples were processed and the parasites were identified by microscopy. To identify risk factors associated with intestinal parasite infection univariate and multivariate analysis were done. The level of significance was set at p<0.5 and for each statistically significant factor, odd ratios and confidence interval was computed. The prevalence for IPIs in the community was 67% and the intestinal parasites detected were Trichuris trichiura (50%), Ascaris lumbriocides (39%), Blastocystis hominis (10%), Cryptosporidium parvum (7.2%), Taenia spp (2.7%) and Microsporidia (2.7%). Forty five percent among them had a single infection while 46% had double infections with triple infections constituting 9.5%. Overall the prevalence of IPIs was slightly higher for females (68%) compared to males (66%). Higher IPIs prevalence was observed among children below 7 years compared to the adults. Univariate analysis showed that not using sanitary latrine, source of water supply and not boiling water before drinking and not using footwear were potential risk factors for intestinal parasite infection. However multivariate analysis indicated that not using the toilet and drinking unboiled water was predictive of intestinal parasite infection in this community.