Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among HIV-Infected Patients: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
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Background
Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant health concern for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia. Due to compromised immune function, HIV-infected patients are highly susceptible to secondary infections, including parasitic diseases, which can exacerbate their health conditions. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these infections is crucial for improving patient care and intervention strategies.
Method
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients attending Hossana Health Center over the past five years. The study utilized a convenience sampling method, including data from all patients recorded in the facility’s logbook. The completeness of patient records was verified before data extraction. Chi-square tests were performed using R programming software to examine associations between demographic variables and parasitic infections. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and results were presented in frequency tables for clarity.
Results
The analysis revealed an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections at 31.93% among HIV-infected patients. The most frequently identified parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides (42.47%), Entamoeba histolytica (27.82%), and Giardia lamblia (9.20%). Other detected parasites included Trichuris trichiura (5.86%) and Taenia species (5.02%), which were the least prevalent. A statistically significant association was observed between age groups and parasitic infection rates (p < 0.001), suggesting that age-related factors—such as environmental exposure, behavioral patterns, and differences in immune function—may contribute to the likelihood of infection.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the persistent burden of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected individuals and reinforce the importance of age-specific intervention strategies. Efforts should focus on improving sanitation, hygiene, and targeted health education programs to mitigate the impact of these infections in vulnerable populations.
