<p>Prevalence of intestinal parasites and its risk factors among food handlers in food services in Nekemte Town, West Oromia, Ethiopia</p>

Abstract

Background Food-borne diseases are a public-health problem in developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in developed countries, up to 30% of the population suffers from food borne diseases each year and more in developing countries, where up to 2 million deaths are estimated per years. Objective To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated risk factors among food handlers in Nekemte town. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte from April to May, 2016. A total of 240 food handlers were selected using a simple random-sampling technique from hotels, bars, and restaurants. Data were collected using pretested questions and stool-specimen examination for intestinal parasites. For intestinal parasites, stool-sample examinations were done using wet-mount and concentration methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Associations among intestinal parasites and risk factors were determined using logistic regression and P <0.05 considered significant. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 52.1%. Entamoeba histolytica / dispar was the most predominant parasite (56.8%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (26.4%), Taenia saginata (16%), and hookworm (16.8%). Hygienic practice such as hand washing after toilet by water, hand washing after toilet by water and soap, trimming of finger nail, wearing proper working clothes and shoes were statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infection if not regularly performed ( P <0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was high, with single double, and triple infection. Food handlers should practice safe food preparation and food service to reduce the probability of intestinal parasite infection.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The odds of not having handwashing after defecation were 2.71 times more likely to develop intestinal parasitic infections than their counterparts. This finding is supported by the studies conducted in Kenya [40], Gambia [41], Pakistan [42] and Ethiopia [30,43,44]. This might be due to feco-oral microorganism transmissions.…”

“…The odds of untrimmed fingernail were 3.04 times more likely to acquire intestinal parasitic infections than their counterparts. This finding is supported by the studies conducted in Ethiopia [30,43,44]. This might be due to the fact that untrimmed fingernail may contain dust particles and microorganisms which facilitates in easily transmissions of microorganisms feco-orally.…”

“…Food-borne infections are common public health problems, which become a significant public health issue all over the world [1]. The related problems are high in the low and middle-income countries, due to the difficulties in adopting optimal hygienic practices during food handling [2].…”

<p>More Than Half Prevalence of Protozoan Parasitic Infections Among Diarrheic Outpatients in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2019; A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…This is consistent with the studies. [49][50][51][54][55][56][57] This might be due to contaminated hands and fingers can serve as a carrier for the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections. 50,56,[58][59][60] Conclusions Findings of the present study showed that the study area was heavily infected with protozoan infections, implying that they are continued major public health problems.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…AD and BA developed the draft proposal under the supervision of GG and GD. All authors (AD, BA, GG Authors' Information 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University,…”