Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors Among Psychiatric Patients Attending Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public health problems in resource-poor countries such as Ethiopia. Certain segments of the population such as psychiatric patients are believed to be at higher risk of infection because of their poor hygiene practices. However, information on the prevalence and contributing factors among psychiatric patients is limited in Ethiopia.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 432 psychiatric patients attending Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from May to July 2020. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on socio-demography and associated factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Stool sample was collected and processed for parasitological examination using direct wet mount, modified Richie's concentration, Kato-Katz and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques following standard protocols. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated factors were computed by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression at 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. Association between variables was considered statistically significant only if P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence level.

Results: A total of 168 (38.9%) participants were positive for at least a single species of intestinal parasite. Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most frequent parasites, detected in 74 (17.1%), 47 (10.9%) and 37 (8.6%) participants, respectively. Double infection was detected in 16 (9.5%) participants where 8 (4.8%) had hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides co-infections. Not washing raw fruits and vegetables before eating (adjusted odds ratio = 8.402; 95% CI: 3.055-23.109; P <0.001) and having a psychiatric diagnosis other than bipolar disorder (adjusted odds ratio = 3.104; 95% CI: 1.334-7.222; P = 0.009) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among psychiatric patients was significant. Therefore, improving hygiene practice and implementing regular screening for intestinal parasitic infection among psychiatric patients are recommended so as to control parasite transmission and improve the health of psychiatric patients.