Epidemiological Characteristics Of Intestinal Parasitic And Bacterial Infections And Community Surveillance Barriers In Diyala Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Parasitic and bacterial intestinal infections in Diyala are a social health issue, which is aggravated by the lack of proper health infrastructure and underreporting.

 Aim of study: To determine the effectiveness of community surveillance, define the technical/logistical issues, and examine the social determinants related to the spread of infections.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive research of 350 participants comprising of adults in seven general hospitals through questionnaires, examinations and bacterial records.  Data collection were assessed with regard to awareness, preventative actions, and detection of the infection through General Stool Examination (GSE) and review of records.

Results: Insufficient resources, privacy issues, and lack of community cooperation emerged as the main factors affecting community-based surveillance. The prevalence rate of infection was found to be significantly lower in participants who had completed their education (10.2%) compared with those who did not (22.2%). The prevalence was lower in participants employed in the health sector (5.8%) than in those who were self-employed (26.7%) (P<0.05). Those who had previous knowledge about intestinal infections (9.9% vs. 25.9%), experience in the health sector (4.7% vs. 16.3%), and knowledge of transmission pathways (12.3% vs. 26.2%) showed significantly lower infection rates (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was detected between infection rate and participant age or sex.

Conclusion: Community participation and health awareness determine the risk and prevention of intestinal infections.