Prevalence Ratio Estimation of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors Among Meat Sellers in Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Foodborne diseases are a significant public health issue globally, with approximately 30% of the population in developed countries suffering from diarrheal diseases caused mainly by foodborne microbial pathogens. In developing countries, food handlers, including meat sellers, are the primary determinants of food contamination due to poor regulatory systems for food hygiene. This cross-sectional study determined intestinal parasites’ prevalence and associated factors among meat sellers in Nigeria. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 139 meat sellers in four markets in Ilorin, Kwara State, were selected. Stool samples were collected from each participant using a clean and dry stool container. The stool samples were analyzed using direct smear saline and formal-ether concentration techniques. The parasites were identified and counted under a microscope. The primary outcome was the presence of one or more intestinal parasitic species in stool samples. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-Square test, and binary logistics regression. Results: Of the 139 meat sellers in this study, 74(53.2%) were females, while 65(46.8%) were males. Most participants (43.9%) were in the age group 31-40 years compared to the age group 51-56 years (9.4%), with the least participants. The participants’ education levels varied, with those with primary education (46.8%) being the highest, followed by those with tertiary education (31.7%). Based on religion, 37 (26.6%) participants were Christians, while 102 (73.4%) were Muslims. 59.7% of the meat sellers haboured one or more intestinal parasites. The odds ratio for gender indicates that when holding all other variables constant, a female is 1.7 times more likely to have a parasite than a male. The odds ratios of those with primary and secondary education levels are 1.4 and 1.7, respectively, suggesting that despite the level of education, they were more likely to habour intestinal parasites. The age group did not significantly affect the presence of intestinal parasites (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among meat sellers in Ilorin. The findings highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures and promoting awareness to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites in this community. In addition, large-scale screening and mass drug administration are recommended...