Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Psychiatric Patients at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant public health challenges in developing countries. They are major concerns in rehabilitation centers for individuals with mental disabilities. However, little attention has been given to preventing these infections among the mentally disabled groups. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in psychiatric patients. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia between August 2024 and October 2024, on 402 participants enrolled by convenient sampling technique. The sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by psychiatry specialists. Stool samples were examined using wet mount, formol‐ether concentration, and modified acid‐fast staining techniques. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions determined the association between variables. Factors with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Overall, 26.6% (107/402); [95% CI: 22.1%–31.3%] of the study participants had intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides ,9% (36/402); [95% CI: 6.5%–12.2%], was the most prevalent. Rural residence AOR = 3.5 (95% CI: 1.06–11.75), Large family size AOR = 2.9 (95%CI: 1.93, 5.46), Drinking surface water AOR = 2.6 (95%CI: 1.65, 5.00), in accessibility of latrine utilization AOR = 2.3 (95%CI: 1.34, 5.20), being bare footed AOR = 3.5 (95% CI: 1.23, 9.96), consuming raw vegetables/fruits AOR = 6.8 (95% CI: 4.38,10.63), and untrimmed finger nails AOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.80, 6.56) were significant factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in psychiatric patients. Conclusion The study revealed the significant prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in psychiatric patients. Rural residence, larger family size, drinking surface water, unavailability of latrine, not wearing shoes, consuming uncooked vegetables/fruits, and untrimmed fingernails are the significant risk factors favouring the acquisition and spread of intestinal parasitic infections in psychiatric patients.