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Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism in rural and remote West Malaysia

Romano Ngui1, Saidon Ishak, Chow Sek Chuen

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|March 11, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are highly prevalent in rural West Malaysia, especially among children. Key risk factors include poverty, inadequate water supply, and poor sanitation, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a significant global health issue, particularly affecting disadvantaged populations.
  • Despite global efforts, IPIs persist in rural areas of West Malaysia, necessitating current epidemiological assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the epidemiological status of IPIs in rural and remote communities of West Malaysia.
  • To identify significant risk factors associated with IPIs in these populations.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 716 participants from 8 villages in West Malaysia.
  • Data collection included demographic information and assessment of IPI prevalence.
  • Multivariate analysis was employed to identify predictors of IPIs.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of IPIs was high at 73.2%, with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) being the most common type.
  • Prevalence was significantly higher in children aged ≤12 years.
  • Significant predictors included young age (≤12 years), low household income, untreated water sources, and indiscriminate defecation.

Conclusions:

  • IPIs remain highly prevalent in impoverished rural communities in West Malaysia.
  • Poverty, low socioeconomic status, and poor environmental sanitation are critical risk factors.
  • Urgent interventions include poverty reduction, deworming programs, and health/hygiene awareness campaigns.

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