Prevalence of intestinal parasite and associated factors among food handlers working in micro enterprises of jimma town, southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and poly parasitism affect the health status of individuals mainly affecting physical and mental developments causing malnutrition, anemia, stunting, cognitive impairment, lowered educational achievement and interfering with productivity. However, the information on the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the associated factors especially in food handlers working in microenterprises in the study area is limited. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers working in micro enterprises of Jimma town. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 1-26, 2018. Data were collected by face to face interviewer administered questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from respondents and were examined microscopically for the presence of any of intestinal parasites using standard laboratory methods. Multivariable logistic regression model using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was fitted to analyze the independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infections. Result: - A total of 310 food handlers were participated in the study making the response rate 95%. From 310 study participants who participated in the study 118 were positive for one or more intestinal parasite/parasites making the prevalence 38.1%. G. lamblia was the most prevalent (11.9%) intestinal parasite followed by (9.4%) A.lumbricoides. among 118 positive food handlers, 7(2.3%) had mixed infections. Hand washing after using toilet with water only (AOR=3.67, 95% CI: 1.29-8.3), hand washing before food preparation with water only (AOR= 5.645, 95% CI: 1.902-16.749), and untrimmed finger nail (AOR= 4.68, 95 % CI: 2.157-10.165) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers. Conclusion:-This study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects. The study also identified factors such as habit of hand washing after toilet, hand washing before food preparation and untrimmed finger nail status that were associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Therefore health information on good hand washing technique, regular finger nail trimming are recommended to control the parasitic infection in food handlers.