Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among students attending health services at Makerere University hospital.

Abstract

Gastro-intestinal parasites remain a health concern in the sub-Saharan region where Makerere university is located. However, little research has been done to check the prevalence of these parasites among students at tertiary level of education hence reason of this study. A total of 210 faecal samples were collected from the students living at various locations in and out of the university. Direct smear method was used to identify the parasites. Three species of gastro-intestinal parasites including Taenia species, Strongyloides stercolaris, and Trichomonas homins were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites among students was 11.9% with residents having a lower prevalence of 11.3% compared to non-residents having 11.6%. The patent risk factors covered by the study moderately affected the prevalence of these parasites among the students. However much the overall prevalence is low, concern should be mostly geared towards control of Taenia species which are of great medical concern