Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Pregnant Women at Odoakpu, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: This present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among pregnant women at Odoakpu, Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 200 pregnant women were examined between October and December, 2021. Pregnant women between the age groups of 20 -35 years were observed in this study with their consent being obtained. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites using routine parasitological methods. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software package. The resulting outputs were presented in tables and level of significance set at P < 0.05.

Result: Out of 200 pregnant women examined, a total of 57 were positive and found to be infected with various intestinal parasites giving an overall prevalence of 28.5%. The intestinal parasites identified are Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vernicularis, Hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale), Giardia lambia and Entamoeba histolytica. The prevalence with respect to age groups considered showed that the highest prevalence was seen among aged group 30 -35 years (42.31%) and the least prevalence was among the age group 25 - 30 years with 20%. The prevalence of intestinal parasites with respect to the type of toilet facility used, showed that those that used open defecation had the highest prevalence (67.65%) and the least prevalence (18.18%) was observed among pregnant women using water closet. Similarly the prevalence of intestinal parasite with respect to source of drinking water, indicated that the highest prevalence was seen among pregnant women using river water (57.14%) and the least was observed among those using public water supply (22.5%). Furthermore, the prevalence of intestinal parasites with respect to trimester indicated that the highest prevalence was seen in second trimester (39.02%) and the least prevalence seen among third trimester (21.43%). Finally, the prevalence of intestinal parasites with respect to gravidity indicated that the highest prevalence was seen in primigravida (38.71%) and the least in secungravida (18.57%).

Conclusion: Intestinal parasites are quite prevalent among pregnant women at Odoakpu therefore policies targeted at improving parasitic infection consciousness among pregnant women during antenatal care are essential. This should include health education and proper hygienic practices to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites among pregnant women.