ABSTRACT

Human intestinal parasitic infection remains a public health problem in rural areas of low income and middle income settings oftropical and subtropical zones. The study investigated the infection rate and risk factors of pathogenic intestinal parasitic infection among inhabitants ofObowo LGA of Imo State. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State, and the risk factors associated with acquiring parasitic infection among the respondents through determining the locational variations ofthe infection; the sources ofthe infection; the age related infection rates and occupation related infection rates. A total number of 300 subjects, comprising males and females of different age groups from six (6) different communities had their foecal samples examined fbr the presence of intestinal parasites using fbrmol-ether concentration techniques. Out ofthe number examined, 141 were infected giving an overall infection rate of (47.00%). These six communities are Alike, Ehume, Umunachi, Amuzi, Umulogho and Avutu in which Ehume recorded the highest infection rate of (75.86%). The age group 50-59 years recorded the highest infection rate (54.14%). Males were more infected (47.83) than females (46.49). Six parasites were observed in this study which are Entamoeba histolytica (31%), Giardia lamblia (4.26%), Hookworm (1.42%), Taenia solium (36.17%), Ascaris lumbricoides (37.59%), Enterobius vermicularis (4.26%) Ascaris lumbricoides occurred the most in the study area (37.59%). With respect to marital status, the married recorded the highest infection rate of 49.09%. The farmers were the most infected, (54.35%). With respect to the risks factors ofintestinal parasitic infections in the study areas, pit latrine users recorded the highest infection rate of (52,00%). People that depended on stream as a source oftheir drinking water recorded the highest infection of 67.31%; those who used anti-helminthics recorded the highest infection of 64.71%, those who disposed their wastes in drainages recorded the highest infection of(57.53%) and those who do not used foot wear to toilet recorded the highest infection rate of92.86%, those that do not wash their hands before eating recorded the highest infection rate of 48.84%. The results ofthis work show the need fbr health education and call fbr promotion of personal and group hygiene in order to reduce the cycle of infection and negative impact on the general public.