Prevalence of Helminthic Infections and Associated Factor Among Pregnant Women Attending ANC in ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-01-22
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: - Intestinal parasitic infections are a major concern, mostly in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopia has one of the lowest quality drinking water supply and latrine coverage in the world. Pregnant women are also at high risk of parasitic infection due to their close relationship with children. Infections with helminth were associated with a modest decrease in hemoglobin levels and indicators of poor nutritional status. Hookworm is the leading cause of pathologic blood loss in endemic. Anemia in these highly endemic regions is common among pregnant women and often multi-factorial. Anemia has a devastating effect on pregnant women and has been associated with stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight.
Objective: - Assessment of the prevalence of helminthic infections among pregnant women attending ANC in ALERT hospital, Addis Ababa.
Methods: - Facility based cross-sectional study was employed in ALERT hospital. The study subjects were selected using systematic sampling method and 185 women were participated making a response rate of 89.4%. The data were collected by interviewed method. The data entered, cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 25 and Logistic regression analyses was employed to identify factors associated with helminthic infection. Using 95% CI variables with a p-value <0.05 was identified as statistically significant factors.
Result: - The finding of was that the prevalence of helminthic infection among pregnant women was 28%. The determinant factor for helminthic infection were education level of illiterate (AOR=2.3, 95%CI=1.48, 10.87), rural in residency (AOR=3.1, 95%CI=1.88, 11.14), having water source of pipe water out of the compound (AOR=3.7, 95%CI=1.12, 12.23), didn’t use soap or antiseptic while washing hands (AOR=7.1, 95%CI=2.26, 22.58), having an availability of water bodies in the vicinity (AOR=5.4, 95%CI=1.87, 15.83) and having exposure of bathing in the river (AOR=5.4, 95%CI=1.11, 11.57).
Recommendation: - To address the issue of helminthic infections in pregnancy a multi-faceted educational approach is essential. So, emphasize the importance of washing hands with soap and clean water, particularly after using the toilet, before handling food, and before eating.
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Prevalence of helminthic infections, pregnant women attending, ALERT hospital