Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: July | Volume: 12 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 172-180
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220725
Intestinal Parasites Infection among Pregnant Women in Nyeri County, Kenya
Anthony Wanjohi Nyambura1, Michael Muita Gicheru2
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences Kenyatta University,
P.O Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
Corresponding Author: Anthony Wanjohi Nyambura
ABSTRACT
Objectives: (i) To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites infection among pregnant women in chosen antenatal clinics in Nyeri, County Nyeri. (iii) To determine the predictors of intestinal parasites among pregnant women in chosen antenatal clinics in Nyeri County. Methodology: The study was conducted from May-August 2015. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data. The collected stool samples were analysed in the laboratories using direct wet mount method and formol-ether concentration technique. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Results: All 260 pregnant women recruited in the study participated. Among 260 pregnant women, 67 (25.8%) were infected by intestinal parasites. Four (1.5%) had Ascaris lumbricoides infection, 4 (1.5%) had hook worm infection, 1(0.4%) had Trichuris trichiura infection and 3 (1.2%) had Strongyloides stercoralis infection. Forty three (16.5%) were infected by Entamoeba histolytica, 10(3.8%) Entamoeba coli, 3 (1.2%) Giardia lamblia, 1(0.4%) Balantidium coli, 3(1.2%) Iodamoeba butschlii, and 1(0.4%) Chilomastix mesnili. Treatment of drinking water (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.237; 95% CI: 0.078 – 0.718; p: 0.011) and use of tap water (aOR: 0.257; 95% CI: 0.083 – 0.791; p: 0.018) were protective against intestinal parasites infection. Conclusions: (i) in selected antenatal clinics in Nyeri County 67(25.8%) of 260 pregnant women had intestinal parasites infections (ii) treating drinking water and use of tap water were protective against infection by intestinal parasites among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Nyeri County. The study recommends routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites during antenatal care.
Key words: [prevalence, intestinal protozoan parasites, pregnant women].