Prevalence and factors associated with hookworm infestation among pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit at Ogur Health Center, Lira District

Abstract

Background: Hookworm infestation is associated with adverse health outcomes for both the baby and mother. Fetal effects include; intrauterine growth retardation, physical and mental growth retardation; whereas the mother could experience loss of appetite and in worst case scenarios anemia predisposing to death. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hookworm infestation among pregnant women attending first antenatal visit in Ogur Health Center IV, Lira district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on quantitative methods conducted among 346 pregnant women from Ogur Health Center IV in the Northern Uganda district of Lira. Stool samples were collected from each participant and data on independent variables obtained using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Prevalence was obtained from stool analysis while associated factors analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Prevalence of hookworm infestation was 11% among the pregnant women. After controlling for confounders, only failure to consistently wash hands with soap was significantly associated with hookworm infestation in pregnancy14.225(3.236-62.788) with a p-value <0.01. Conclusion: Prevalence of hookworm infestation among pregnant women at Ogur Health Center IV in Lira district is still a public health concern and not washing hands is a significant contributory factor.