Intestinal parasitic infections and risk analysis among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
Background Global studies show intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been introduced and spread with refugee inflows from low to high socio-economic countries. However, there is relatively limited information on the prevalence of infections among the community. Methods A 2-year cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for infections among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 418 faecal samples were collected and examined by microscopy. Results Faecal screening revealed moderate levels (32.3%) of infections in the community. Three nematode (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) and three protozoan species (Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) were recorded, with the highest prevalence being A. lumbricoides (20.6%) followed by T. trichiura (10.3%), while other infections were <5%. Statistical analysis found that young males with less education were more likely to be infected with helminths. Additionally, living near waste disposal sites, the presence of stray animals, eating with bare hands, bare footedness, poor handwashing practices and no anthelmintic treatment constituted significant risk factors for helminth infections. Protozoan infections were linked to drinking tap water or from water dispensers and poor handwashing practices. Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of health education in addition to introduction of biannual anthelmintic treatment to promote community health and well-being.
Keywords
Intestinal parasitic infections, Malaysia, Prevalence, Refugees, Risk analysis
Divisions
Parasit,InstituteofBiologicalSciences,tidrec
Funders
Universiti Malaya [Grant No: IIRG002A-2020SAH],Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Publication Title
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
118
Issue
1
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publisher Location
GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND