The prevalence of helminthes infestation among pregnant women at Kibera health centre
Abstract
Helminthes infestations are common among humans who live in
areas of poverty in the developing world. Kibera is one of the largest informal
settlements in sub-Saharan Africa, lacking adequate municipal services like water and
sanitation, although organizations like AMREF are working to improve the situation a
lot still remains to be done.
Helminthes infestation has adverse effects on
pregnancy. The prevalence of this condition is unknown at Kibera. The study aims in
determining the prevalence of helminthes infestation and associated risk factors
among pregnant women at Kibera Health centre.
To determine the prevalence of helminthes infestation and associated
risk factors among pregnant women at kibera health centre,
The study was a cross sectional survey. Between
October 2008 and December 2008 One hundred and ninety six participants (196) were
recruited. A sample of stool was taken for analysis for ova and cysts and blood taken
for full haemogram.
Presence of ova.cysts or actual worms In stools and
evidence of anemia.
Data was entered into appropriate analytical packages including
SPSS. Results were presented in charts, graphs, percentages and tables attended by
discussion. Conclusion and recommendations were made.
The overall prevalence of helminthes infestation was 6.7%. Ascaris
lumbricoides comprised 3.1%, Hookworms 3.1% and Schistosoma mansoni
0.5%.Twenty seven participants (13.8%) were anemic (HB < 10g/dl). Among the
anemic participants, 51.9%'had iron deficiency anemia. Majority of them (92.6%) had
mild anaemia. One third of the participants (33%) reported that they had been eating
soil while 12.8% had gastrointestinal complaints but none of these were associated
with helminthes infestation. Hookworms or other helminthes infestation was not
significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy.
The prevalence ofhelminthes infestation among pregnant women at
Kibera Health centre is 6.7%.
There is no evidence to recommend routine deworming of
pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Kibera Health centre.
Citation
Degree of Master of Medicine (M.MEO) in obstetrics and gynecology,Publisher
University of Nairobi Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Description
A dissertation submitted in part fulfillment for the Degree of Master
of Medicine (M.MEO) in obstetrics and gynecology, University of
Nairobi