Factors associated with intestinal parasites in the central prison of Conakry, Guinea

Introduction: intestinal parasites are a health issue for communities in developing countries, particularly persons incarcerated in prisons. The purpose of the study was to analyze factors associated with intestinal parasitosis among inmates in the Central Prison of Conakry. Methods: cross-sectional study was carried out between February and July 2017 among inmates of Central prison of Conakry. Demographic and laboratory data on stool samples for intestinal parasites were collected. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with intestinal parasites. Results: data from 313 inmates were collected. The overall frequency of intestinal parasites was 33.5% (95% CI = 28.4%-39.0%). Schistosoma mansoni eggs (44.8%) and hookworms’ eggs (35.2%) were the most common (44.8%). Factors independently associated with intestinal parasites were lack of education (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI = [1.13-9.95], p = 0.02), primary education (AOR = 3.66; 95% CI = [1.27-10.51]), use of unsanitary toilets (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI = [0.29-0.87]), duration of stay greater than 90 days (AOR = 5.92; 95% CI = [2.23-15.70]) and consumption of tap water (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI = [0.29-0.87]). Conclusion: this study shows that intestinal parasites are very common among inmates of the central prison of Conakry. It is therefore necessary to focus on the cleanliness of the detention facilities, but also to assist in the education of inmates in personal hygiene and the promotion of a healthy diet in order to reduce this phenomenon.