The Prevalence, Intensity and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Outpatients in Bafoussam II, West Region, Cameroon

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections remain a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and density of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the risk factors of their transmission.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020, on outpatients visiting the Djeleng Sub divisional medical centre in Bafoussam II. All consenting participants provided a stool sample and completed an open-ended questionnaire. Stool samples were examined simultaneously as fresh wet mounts, formal-ether concentration technique and modified Zieihl Neelsen staining technique. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Results obtained from this study revealed that the overall prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infection was 29.1% (94/323) and 1464±314 ppg respectively. Parasites recovered were: Entamoeba histolytica 54.26% (51/94), Trichomonas intestinalis 21.28% (20/94), Entamoeba coli 19.15% (18/94), Cryptosporidium spp 3.19% (3/94) and Trichuris trichiura 2.13% (2/94). Prevalence was slightly higher in males 31.76% (27/85) than females 28.15% (67/238) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.364). The prevalence was higher among individuals aged 21-30 years 35.22% (31/88). Most infected individuals resided in Djemoun 40.0%(4/10) and this prevalence was significant (p=0.025). Hair dressers harboured the highest rate of intestinal parasites 60.0% (6/10) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.235). Hand washing practices, washing of fruits, walking bare footed, toilet cleaning, screening of houses, pet possession, and frequency of nail trimming were not identified as risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitic transmission (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Provision of health education, improving personal and communal hygiene, and community based deworming with addition of antiprotozoal drugs should be of major focus to prevent and control these infections.