The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among People with Disabilities in Gem, Siaya County - Kenya

— Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is a worldwide public health concern that has received little attention as compared to other diseases like COVID-19, HIV/AIDS and malaria. Although, people with disabilities (PWDs) are more susceptible to intestinal parasites they have limited access to adequate healthcare services. At least 0.9 million Kenyans have disabilities and Siaya is among four counties with high disability prevalence of above 4.1%. Gem has 4.3% PWDs that is twice higher than the national level. Although, they encounter many challenges that negatively affect their health outcomes, little is known about the burden of IPIs among PWDs in Gem, Siaya County. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs among PWDs in Gem, Siaya County. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Multistage sampling was applied to select 190 participants. The study site was divided into 9 strata based on the existing administrative units. Simple random sampling was applied to select 2 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) from each administrative unit (research assistants). Finally, each CHV proportionately and randomly selected eligible participants from the administrative units. Fresh stool samples from each participant were examined using direct saline and iodine mounts, and formol-ether concentration to detect intestinal parasites. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect data on their sociodemographic characteristics. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were computed to determine the significant association between the variables of interest (α = 0.05). The overall prevalence of IPIs was 46.03%. Ascaris lumbricoides (37.93%) and Entamoeba histolytica (29.89%) were more predominant. Persons with physical disability (62.07%) and mental disability (32.18%) had the highest prevalence. Management of the high burden of IPIs is even more complicated especially when associated with disability. These findings provide evidence-based information to the Ministry of Health, PWDs and other stakeholders for use in formulation of policies on the management of IPIs among PWDs.