Research Article

Association between Environmental Risk Factors and the Prevalence of Intestinal Worms among Butchers in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Background: The environmental conditions of butchers are critical factors in the prevalence of intestinal worms. Aim: To determine the relationship between butchers environmental risk factor and the prevalence of intestinal worms within the metropolis of Port Harcourt Nigeria. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, and the target group consisted of male and female butchers who worked in the selected Port Harcourt metropolitan abattoirs. Butchers who are at least 18 years old and employed in registered abattoirs in the Port Harcourt metropolitan area met the inclusion requirements; however, those who had received anti helminthic medication three months before the study and those who had not worked at the abattoir for at least six months were excluded. Multi-stage sampling was adopted in this research work and primary data sourced through observations, measurements, structured surveys, interviews, and samples that were taken with the assistance of 4 trained research assistants, were employed in this study. The study lasted for about two months, and each questionnaire, physical examination, and measurement took roughly forty minutes. The tools gathered data on environmental risk factors, such as the type of toilet, the quantity of restrooms and toilets at the slaughterhouse, contact with animals at home, the number of pets, hand washing habits, water sources for drinking and bathing, the habit of wearing shoes, the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, and the existence of waste disposal. The University of Port Harcourt’s Ethics and Committee granted the study ethical permission. Additionally, the head of each visited cluster in the slaughterhouse gave permission to conduct the study. Results: chi square test for association revealed that the availability of bathroom and their number were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the prevalence of intestinal worms, however, other environmental risk factors were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Significant association exists between butchers’ environmental risk factor and the prevalence of intestinal worms with respect to bathroom facilities and the number of available bathrooms. This underscores the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene in preventing infections, thus suggests that overcrowded or inadequately equipped restroom facilities may contribute to the spread of intestinal worms.