ASSOCIATION OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS WITH HAEMORRHOID AMONG ADULTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are a common anorectal disease, caused by increased pressure in the rectal veins, which displace the anal cushions. This study determined the association of intestinal parasitic infections with haemorroids among adults in Anambra State. Structured questionnaires were used to access information on haemorrhoids and their risk factors. Faecal specimens were examined using direct smear technique, formol ether concentration technique and Kato-katz technique. Of a total of 2,428 fecal specimens examined, 776(31.96%) were positive for intestinal parasites infections. Of this total, 142(5.85%) had hemorrhoid. Co-infection between hemorrhoid and intestinal parasites was 112 (4.61%). Seven species of parasite were recorded in the study. Entamoeba histolytica 27.06% was the most prevalent, while Giardia lambia, 9.28% was the least. Others were Ascaris lumbricoides 24.23%, Hookworm 9.79%, Strongyloides stercoralis 5.41%, Taenia spp 10.44% and Trichuris trichiura 13.79%. The difference in prevalence of intestinal parasite species was statistically significant (P>0.05; P=0.000). Overall, prevalence of co-infection was highest, 6.22% in the age group 23-27years, while the least, 3.69% was recorded in age group >38years. Co-infection of haemorrhoid with A. lumbricoides was highest, 2.07% in age group 23-27years, while the least, 0.41% was recorded in age group 33-37years. The highest intestinal parasites prevalence, 72.22% was recorded among those that had only informal education, while the least, 20.31% was among the tertiary education group. A reasonable percentage, 40.21% do not always wash their hands after daefecation. Also, 42.53 do not do wash their hands always before eating fruits, while 46.01% does not always wash fruits before eating. A total of 78.87% admitted always eating a low-fiber diet, while 21.13% does not. Also, 83.80% sit long periods on time of the toilet while 16.20% does not. On the other hand, 67.61% regularly lift heavy items while 32.39 do not. The study also showed that there is a co-infection of haemorrhoid and the parasites among some inhabitants of the study area. Awareness programmes and public health education on the risk factors of helminths and protozoan parasites infection should be conducted in the study area to help curtail the spread of the infections