The incidence, intensity, and risk factors for soil transmissible helminthes infections among waste handlers in a large coastal periurban settlement in Southern Ghana

Abstract

Soil-transmissible helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common sanitation-related public health problems in poor periurban settlements of tropical regions of low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, research studies documenting the incidence rate, intensity, and occupational risk factors of STH infections among adults are scanty. A prospective cohort study of 261 waste handlers was conducted to investigate this. Stool samples were collected after 90 and 180 days of treatment with albendazole (400 mg per dose). -e geometric mean intensity of STH among waste handlers after 180 days of treatment was 2.8 eggs/gram (light intensity), with an incidence rate of 1.5%. -e proportion of waste handlers with light intensity STH infections was 4.8%. -e odds of STH infection among female waste handlers were 80% lower when compared with male waste handlers (aOR � 0.2; 95% CI: 0.0–0.8). Waste handlers who used rubber gloves when working were 80% (aOR � 0.2: 95% CI: 0.2–1.9) protected from STH infections compared with those who did not use gloves. Infections with STH among the 261 waste handlers significantly correlated with the type of waste handling activities (LR χ 2 �15.3; p � 0.033) with the highest proportion of infection found among transporters, 2 (40%). Waste handlers should receive periodic antihelminthic treatment, at least once every six months, practice adequate hand hygiene, and use suitable personal protective equipment during work