Linking Wastewater Exposure to Parasitic Infection Prevalence Among Riverside Households in Angeles City, Philippines

Background Parasitic infections, particularly helminthiasis, remain a significant public health concern in communities with poor sanitation and high wastewater exposure. This study investigated the relationship between wastewater management practices and the prevalence of parasitic infections among residents along the Abacan River in Angeles City, Pampanga, located in Central Luzon, Philippines. Methods A descriptive correlational design was employed, involving surveys from 113 households and fecal analysis of 120 children aged 2–14 years. Results Results showed a 47.5% prevalence rate, with Ascaris lumbricoides as the most common helminth. Regression analysis identified employment status, family size, soap use, river activity, deworming history, and treatment status as predictors. Notably, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, among all variables, participation in river activities was the only statistically significant factor ( P < .001), indicating an elevated risk of infection. Conclusion These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health interventions and improved wastewater management to reduce infection rates in high-risk populations. The study concludes that inadequate wastewater management practices, along with various interconnected risk factors, significantly contribute to elevated parasitic infection rates among vulnerable populations.