Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in Kurdistan province, northwest Iran

Abstract

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the main health problems worldwide. The signs and symptoms depending on the type of parasite and conditions of host can be mild, moderate, or severe. In the present study, we attempted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in individuals referred to medical laboratories in Sanandaj city, in the center of Kurdistan province, northwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done from 1 June 2015 to 31 August 2016, during which 1383 fecal samples were collected randomly from individuals who were referred to medical laboratories. All the samples were examined using direct slide smear, formalin-ether concentration, and staining methods. Results: Out of the 1383 stool specimens examined, 297 (21.5%) were infected with single or multiple intestinal parasites. Protozoan parasites were detected the most from the samples and helminths were very much less prevalent. Finally, the analyzed data showed a significant difference between intestinal parasitic infections and reasons for referral (p = 0.002), age groups (p ≤ 0.01), education (p ≤ 0.01), and seasonal variation (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infections especially protozoan parasites are still prevalent in the center of Kurdistan province. Therefore, health providers are recommended to consider this health problem by establishing accurate diagnosis and designing interventional program to decrease the rate of such infections in this district.

Keywords

• prevalence
• risk factors
• intestinal parasitic infections
• kurdistan