Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors among Rural Populations in Ubon Ratchathani Province,...

Khong Chiam is located on the border between Thailand and Laos, with the Mekong River as a natural barrier. The main river, Mun, also flows through Khong Chiam to meet the Mekong River, making Khong Chiam a community that primarily relies on water for agriculture and fisheries. A variety of intestinal parasites are endemic in Khong Chiam. A survey of 1,423 residents from 35 villages located along the Mun and Mekong Rivers in Khong Chiam was conducted from April 2021 to April 2022. Stool examination using a modified formalin-ether concentration technique revealed a 10.2% prevalence of various intestinal helminth and protozoan infections. Single infections with Strongyloides stercoralis (46/1,423; 3.2%), Opisthorchis viverrini (40/1,423; 2.8%), and Taenia spp. (22/1,423; 1.5%) were predominant. Most helminth infections were of low intensity. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) were more prevalent in males than in females, except for opisthorchiasis, which was equally prevalent in both sexes. Questionnaire interviews with the voluntary participants revealed that factors including age, comorbidity, previous infection with intestinal parasites, and anthelmintic drugs used in the past year were statistically related to the IPI status of the participants. The interviews revealed inadequate hygiene practices; lack of knowledge; inaccurate perceptions about health, IPI, and cholangiocarcinoma; and low intention to prevent IPI among participants. However, providing education and accurate information has been shown to raise awareness and reduce the risk of IPI. Stool examinations, drug treatment, and the promotion of individual self-prevention through sanitary behaviors are important for the control of IPI in this endemic area.