Research Article

Assessing The Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Factors and The Prevalence of Intestinal Worms Among Butchers In Port Harcourt Metropolis Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly helminths, are a significant public health concern globally, with a notable prevalence among individuals in occupations with high exposure to animal products and unsanitary conditions, such as butchers in abattoirs. Aim: To determine the relationship between butchers’ socio-demographic factors and the prevalence of intestinal worms in Port Harcourt metropolis Nigeria. Methodology: The target population recruited in the study were abattoir butchers including male and females aged 18 years and above in all selected abattoirs of the registered abattoirs in Port Harcourt, with inclusion criteria of registered butchers within the Port Harcourt metropolis who are 18 years and above, whereas, butchers who have received anti helminthic 3 months before the study and those who have not worked at least 6 months in the abattoir were excluded. Multi-stage sampling was adopted in this research work. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, level of education, average monthly income, number of living rooms and duration as a butcher, etc.). Participants were educated and given a sterile bottle to collect fecal samples aseptically the next day. Result: The general prevalence of intestinal worms was 5.6%, Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest prevalence of 60% while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiuria had 20% each. Only gender was significantly associated (p<0.05) with the prevalence of intestinal worms, however, other factors such as age, religion, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, job experience and other jobs were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Gender plays a significant role in the prevalence of intestinal helminthes among butchers in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Ascaris lumbricoides emerge as the dominant parasite, a persistent challenge in global public health.