The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Their Associated Factors among Diabetes Mellitus Patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Worldwide, more than one-sixth of the population is infected by intestinal parasites, of which the majority live in developing countries. On the other hand, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing over recent decades in developing countries. Patients with diabetes mellitus encountered impaired immunity and suffer from the consequences of infection particularly intestinal parasitic infection. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods and Materials. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital from February 15 to March 30, 2018. A total of 234 diabetes mellitus patients were enrolled. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. A 5-gram stool sample was collected to identify parasitic infection using a direct wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. A p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result. In the current study, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among diabetics was 45 (19.2%). The parasites identified in this study were Ascaris lumbricoides 15 (6.41%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 9 (3.85%), Hookworm 9 (3.85%), Schistosoma mansoni 7 (3%), Enterobius vermicularis 3 (1.3%), and Giardia lamblia 2 (0.9%). Poor educational background ( AOR = 3.62 ; 95% CI (1.038, 12.65); p = 0.043 ), poor hygiene and sanitation ( AOR = 4.67 ; 95% CI (1.82, 12.07); p = 0.001 ), and inappropriate latrine usage ( AOR = 5.41 ; 95% CI (1.43, 20.56); p = 0.013 ) were significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among diabetes mellitus patients. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among diabetes mellitus patients was relatively high. There should be continued prevention, control, and management of intestinal parasitic infection in such a study population.

Prevalence Of Malaria And Intestinal Parasitic Co-Infection Among Diabetic Patients In Calabar.

“…The low prevalence could be as a result of improved hygiene practices and or urban settlements in which there are improved social amenities. The prevalence was higher than the prevalence rate of 20.6% obtained by Almugadam et al (2021) which was carried in Sudan, and also higher than 19.2% prevalence reported from Ethiopia by Ambachew et al, (2020). This could be due to different geographical locations, difference in sample size and study population, as well as location and season.…”

Enteric Protozoan Parasitosis and Associated Factors among Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana

“…Some similar studies have earlier reported an association between the duration of DM and the aquisition of enteric parasitic infection [14,30]. Tis is contrary to other studies which reported no association between the duration of DM and the acquisition of EPIs [12,36]. Tis might be due to environmental factors and the diferences in the quality of healthcare that exist in the study sites and their infuence on controlling secondary infections in patients with diabetes.…”

Intestinal parasites and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…(18), Ascaris lumbricoides (8), Hookworms(4), Trichuris trichuria (4), Giardia lamblia (6), Teania spp(2) Ambachew et al. [ 28 ] 2020 2018–2018 African region Ethiopia Amhara Stool Formal-ether, microscopic 234 45 Ascaris lumbricoides (15), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9), Hookworms (9) Engidaw and Feysa [ 29 ] 2020 2019–2019 African region Ethiopia Debre Tabo NR NR 265 69 IPs Sisu et al. [ 30 ] 2021 2021–2021 African region Ghana Bolgatanga Stool Formal-ether, microscopic 152 19 Giardia lamblia (9), E. histolytica (4), C. parvum (3), Entamoeba.…”