Prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasitic infections among prison inmates in Central Ethiopia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as prison inmates. Despite their high prevalence globally, many intestinal parasites are still neglected in research and control efforts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasite infections, evaluate the performance of diagnostic methods, and identify associated factors of intestinal parasite infection among inmates of Hossana prison. METHOD: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hossana Prison from March to July 2023. A total of 421 inmates were enrolled using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographics and determinants were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Faecal samples were examined using direct wet mount, Kato-Katz, and formol-ether concentration techniques. SPSS was used for data analysis. Logistic regression analysis with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% CI was used to assess the associations of independent variables with intestinal parasitic infections. RESULTS: The composite prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates was 35.6%, with most soil-transmitted helminth infections of light intensity. The frequently detected parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, and the hookworms. The formol-ether concentration technique (FECT) demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting soil-transmitted helminths compared to other techniques. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections included informal education (AOR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.01-8.17; p = 0.049), occasional handwashing after using the toilet (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI: 2.65-5.12; p = 0.001) or before eating (AOR = 6.72; 95% CI: 2.44-18.55; p = 0.001), not trimming fingernails (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.24-8.46; p = 0.016), sleeping in groups (AOR = 4.34; 95% CI: 2.16-9.18; p = 0.001), and lack of prior health education on intestinal parasitic infections (AOR = 6.21; 95% CI: 3.93-10.94; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The moderate prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Hossana prison inmates is concerning, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. These should focus on improving sanitation and hygiene practices, providing regular health screenings and prompt treatment, modifying sleeping habits, maintaining personal hygiene, and offering health education on intestinal parasitic infection prevention strategies to reduce the spread of infections within the incarcerated population.