Abstract
Introduction: In developing countries, prisoners are one of the marginalized groups most susceptible to intestinal parasite infection due to inadequate living conditions, malnutrition, a lack of potable water, overcrowding, and poor hygiene. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of Hosanna town prison. Materials and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hosanna Town's prisoners from June 1 to July 30, 2022, on a total of 420 inmates. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, sanitation, hygienic, and related information were collected by using pretested questionnaires. In addition, about 5 g of stool sample was collected using a leak-proof plastic stool cup and examined microscopically by using direct wet mount preparation and formalin-ether concentration techniques, and data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 25. Results: This study indicated an overall 39.2% (95% CI: 34.6-44.1) prevalence of intestinal parasites (165/420). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent intestinal parasite found, followed by Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms, Taenia species, and Schistosoma mansoni. About 3.1% of participants had dual parasitic infections. In addition, there is a significant association in multivariable logistic regression analysis between intestinal parasitic infection and various hygiene practices such as not using soap when washing hands after using the toilet ((aOR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.06-2.48)), p ≤ 0.027), not regularly washing hands before meals ((aOR 2.83 (95% CI: 1.79-4.46)), p ≤ 0.001), poor hand hygiene overall ((aOR 3.18 (95% CI: 2.00-4.99)), p ≤ 0.001), not trimming fingernails ((aOR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.29-3.37)), p ≤ 0.003), and length of time in prison (aOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 22.62-6.96, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 39.2%, with 38.8% of the infected individuals falling within the 25-34 age range. Additionally, 67.3% of those infected had been imprisoned for over a year. Furthermore, the personal hygiene status of prisoners was found to be substantially correlated with the presence of parasites. Hosanna town prison should ensure sufficient sanitary supplies, promote personal hygiene, and implement health education. Regular medical checkups and routine nail-clipping sessions are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and reducing parasite transmission among inmates.