Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasites among Households in Ratchaburi Province, Thai-Myanmar Border Area

Abstract

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections are still widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the Thai-Myanmar border, and focusedon factors associated with intestinal parasites among households. The formalin-ether concentrationtechnique was employed to identify parasites from 1,953 stool samples; structured questionnaireswere also used. The generalized estimation equation method was used to determine correlated riskfactors and infections at the household level, to account for household members sharing the sameenvironment.It was found that the older age group had a higher risk of E. histolytica/E. dispar, T. trichiuraand hookworm infections; this might be associated with immunosuppression, in contrast,A. lumbricoides and G. lamblia infections had lower risk, which might be due to raised immunologicstatus. Gender was significantly associated with hookworm infection. Infections found in differentareas of residences may probably be due to geographical differences in the contaminated source.Improper personal hygiene, dirty nails and lack of water treatment, implied higher risk of infection.The structural material of the house, an indirect indicator of economic status, was related toinfection risk.

Keywords: intestinal parasites; Thai-Myanmar Border; households; stool samples; Ratchaburi