Intestinal Helminthic Infection among Prison Inmates of a Maximum-security Prison in Southern Nigeria

Background: Infection caused by intestinal parasites thrives in an environment with poor sanitary and unhygienic practices, over-crowding, poor housing, and poverty. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among inmates of Port Harcourt maximum security prison, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: Stool samples were collected in clean universal bottles from 197 inmates and were analyzed following standard method of stool examination.

Results: The overall prevalence was 14.2%. Age-related distribution showed that age group 24-30 years had the highest prevalence of 29.4% followed distantly by ≥ 45 years with prevalence of 10.5% while 17-23 years had the least prevalence of 4.4%. The prevalence between the age groups was significant (x2=20.096, df=4, p =0.000). Three different helminthes parasites were identified namely; Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), hookworm (7.6%), and Stronglyloides stercoralis (2.0%).

Conclusion: Intestinal helminthiasis is relatively high among inmates of Port Harcourt prison. Increased awareness and concerted efforts at improving sanitation, provision of water, and personal hygiene can drastically reduce infection among prison inmates.