Prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural and urban population in Puducherry, South India - A community-based study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Developing country, like India intestinal parasitic infections are still remaining as the most important health problem in public of concern. The infection remains the most leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially among the childrens. It is presumed that the prevalence is high in developing countries probably due to poor sanitary conditions and improper personal hygiene practice. AIM: The main aim of this study was carried to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among rural and urban population of Puducherry, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 506) and transport to the parasitology section, Dept. of Microbiology, JIPMER were subjected to routine stool investigations. The results were recorded, and data were presented in the form of frequency and distribution. Data entry was done in MS Excel and analysis was carried out in SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: (0%). There was a noticeable male predominance pattern (31.4%) compared to female showing 29.1% positivity. The increase in the prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural population than the urban population was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The stool samples collected from rural population showed high prevalence of intestinal parasite infestation when compared to urban population, hence necessary interventions like health education, awareness creation and medical intervention should be undertaken particularly among the rural population. In our study population, age group between 1-10 years are predominantly infected with these parasites.