Sttattus off Saniittarry Prracttiices and Amebiiasiis and Giiarrdiiasiis Among Pattiientts Viisiittiing Haiik Healltth Centterr,, Soutth Wollllo,, Norrttheastt Etthiiopiia
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Date
2016-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among major causes of diarrhea in least-developed tropical and
subtropical regions including Ethiopia. Recent information on these diseases is essential to
design suitable control interventions in a specific setting. This study was conducted to detect
amoeba and giardia infections and explore the status of some universal risk factors in Haik town
and its surroundings, northeast Ethiopia. Patients visiting Haik health center (HHC) between
November 2015 and April 2016 and suspected of amoebiasis and giardiasis were invited to
participate in the study. Socio-demographic and environmental variables linked to amoebiasis
and giardiasis were extracted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected
and screened using the direct-smear microscopy. Data were analyzed using univariate and
multivariate logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05
considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was
10.6% (n=500). Of these, 2.2% were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii and 8.4%
Giardia intestinalis. About half of the participants were farmers and thus had lower education
level with poor hygienic habits. Latrine coverage was good (60.8%), but still considerable
number (39.2%) of the participants defecate in the field. Substantial number (56.2%) of
participants had no practice of post-toilet hand wash. About 46% of the participants never
attended health education. Substantial number (252) of people used tape water (which is
relatively better protected). However, still a large number of people (248) were using
unprotected water (pond and pump, spring and river). These all conditions could create ideal
ground for amoeba and giardia transmission although the current amoebiasis or giardiasis cases
were low. Patients who defecate in the field, do not practice post-toilet hand wash and those had
unprotected drinking water were at significantly higher risk of being amoeba or giardia-positive.
Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% CI were respectively 11.56, 4.33-33.38; 5.18, 1.71-15.71;
8.47, 2.4-29.45. The p-value was <0.0001 at all instances. Amoeba and Giardia are important
health problems of the study participants. There for, prompt intervention strategies should be
designed and implemented to upgrade status of sanitarian practices including provision of
adequate safe water supply, health education on personal as well as personal hygien.
Keywords: HHC, E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, G. intestinalis, prevalence, risk factors
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Keywords
HHC, E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, G. intestinalis, prevalence, risk factors