Abstract:
Abstract:
Background: Foodborne diseases can be defined as any illness caused by
ingesting contaminated food or drink. Foodborne parasites are of these families that
can be transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or drink. A bulk of the foodborne
disease outbreaks are attributable to poor hygienic practices and improper handling
of food.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal
parasites and associated factors among food handlers in the food and drinking
establishments at Chagni Town, North West, Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April
2018. A total of 442 food handlers working in food and drink establishments were
included in the study. Saline wet mount technique was used for the diagnosis of
intestinal parasites. The data were entered into SPSS version20 statistical software
and analyzed. Binary logistic regression statistical model was used for statistical
analysis
Results: A total of 400 food handlers (with a response rate of 90%) were examined
for their status of intestinal parasitosis. The overall prevalence of being infected with
at least one of the intestinal parasites was 14.8% [95% CI: (11.5%, 18.0%)].
According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, regular hand washing
before meal, [AOR= 4.77, 95% CI: (2.09, 10.87)], regular hand washing after visiting
a toilet, [AOR= 3.39, 95% CI: (1.52, 7.57)], having trimmed fingernails, [AOR= 2.39,
95% CI: (1.29, 4.42)] and frequency medical Checkup for IP, [AOR= 3.54, 95% CI:
(1.11, 11.31)] were statistically significant with intestinal parasitosis.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites
among food handlers was high as per that infected food handlers are potential
sources of infection for others. Regular hand washing practices at critical times;
before meal and after vising a toilet, having trimmed fingernails and medical checkup
sessions were statistically significant factors for intestinal parasitosis among food
handlers. Hygiene promotions, regulatory inspections, and medical checkup
sessions for intestinal parasites should be practiced at all levels.
Key words: Prevalence, Intestinal parasites, Food handlers, Food and drink establishment, Chagni Town, Ethiopia
