Intestinal Helminthis Infestation Among Pregnant Women Attending Tamale Teaching Hospitals

ABSTRACT

Background Intestinal helminths are very common in developing countries including Ghana. It is estimated in developing countries that one-third of all pregnant women are infected with helminths. Intestinal helminths infestation during pregnancy may be linked with adverse outcomes including prenatal mortality, maternal anaemia, low birth weight and growth restriction. This study’s objective was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths infestation among pregnant women attending Tamale Teaching Hospital. Method An unmatched retrospective case-control study involving reviewing hospital records from January 2015 to December 2016 was applied for this study. Purposive sampling technique was also used to recruit pregnant women who were then interviewed using a structured questionnaire to identify factors associated with helminths infections. Results Seven different intestinal helminths species were found with a total prevalence of 6.3%. The predominant species were Hymenolopis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis. There was no mix infection in the data collected. There were significant associations between intestinal helminths infestation and place of residence, and hand washing after using the toilet. Pregnant women who resided in rural communities were 50.67 times more likely to be infested with helminths as compared to those who reside in urban areas. Women who did not wash their hands after using toilet were 20.98 times more likely to be infested with helminths as compared those who washed their hands after using toilet. v In conclusion, the associations observed between intestinal helminths infestation and place of residence and hand washing after using toilet was significant, indicating that, pregnant women should wash their hands after using the toilet. The dominant intestinal helminths infestation found in this study were Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis respectively.