Prevalence and Risk Mapping of Intestinal Parasites in the "Hungry Valleys" Region of Slovakia

Helminthiases remain a significant global health concern, affecting both the Global South and increasingly the Global North. In Slovakia, intestinal parasitic infections impact marginalised populations, particularly the population of Roma inhabitants, who often face inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water. This study examines the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the "Hungry Valleys", an economically challenged region of eastern Slovakia, with a higher number of Roma inhabitants. A total of 3816 stool samples were analysed using sedimentation methods, revealing an overall positivity rate of 5.06%. The highest prevalence was found among Roma inhabitants, with 23 times higher chance for infection than non-Roma inhabitants, rural residents, and children under 18. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. Statistical analyses revealed strong associations between infection rates and factors such as density of the population of Roma inhabitants and inadequate access to water. Risk maps created in QGIS identified areas of high transmission. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, especially in vulnerable Roma communities. Integrating spatial analysis with epidemiological data can guide more effective prevention efforts. Addressing structural inequalities is key to reducing the burden of parasitic diseases in marginalised populations.