The Incidence, Intensity, and Risk Factors for Soil Transmissible Helminthes Infections among Waste Handlers in a Large Coastal Periurban Settlement in Southern Ghana
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi
Abstract
Soil-transmissible helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common sanitation-related public health problems in poor
periurban settlements of tropical regions of low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, research studies documenting the
incidence rate, intensity, and occupational risk factors of STH infections among adults are scanty. A prospective cohort study of
261 waste handlers was conducted to investigate this. Stool samples were collected after 90 and 180 days of treatment with
albendazole (400 mg per dose). The geometric mean intensity of STH among waste handlers after 180 days of treatment was 2.8
eggs/gram (light intensity), with an incidence rate of 1.5%. The proportion of waste handlers with light intensity STH infections
was 4.8%. The odds of STH infection among female waste handlers were 80% lower when compared with male waste handlers
(aOR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.0–0.8). Waste handlers who used rubber gloves when working were 80% (aOR = 0.2: 95% CI: 0.2–1.9)
protected from STH infections compared with those who did not use gloves. Infections with STH among the 261 waste handlers
significantly correlated with the type of waste handling activities (LR χ2 =15.3; p = 0.033) with the highest proportion of infection
found among transporters, 2 (40%). Waste handlers should receive periodic antihelminthic treatment, at least once every six
months, practice adequate hand hygiene, and use suitable personal protective equipment during work.
Description
Research Article.