THE STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN THE PERSONNEL OF PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENTAL REHABILITATION CENTERS OF URMIA

Because of direct contact with patients, personnel of various medical professions can be at high risk for contamination with infectious agents and transmission of them to their own family and putting them at jeopardy. Therefore, it seems necessary to pursue these groups for medical indices, including intestinal parasites. The aim of current study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infestations in the personnel of rehabilitation centers of Urmia as an efficient step in promotion of community health.

Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, fecal specimens and scotch tapes were gathered from all personnel of private and governmental rehabilitation centers, twice daily for two days, and examined by two methods: direct and formalin ether. Demographic characteristics of participants were gathered by a questionnaire.

Results: Findings of this study revealed that 34% of study population had at least one intestinal parasite, among them 13% had more than one parasite. Relative frequency of various kinds of parasites were as follows: Entamoeba coli 16%, Blastocystis Hominis 16.2%, Iodamoeba Butchli 9%, and Entamoeba Hartmani, Giardia Lambelia, and Oxiur 2.3%. There was not any significant relationship between participants' age and level of education with prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation.

Discussion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of intestinal infestations in the personnel of private and governmental rehabilitation centers of Urmia and the likelihood of transmission of parasites to family members, it seems that this is a serious challenge for promotion of family health. Therefore, our recommendations are continuing education of health care workers regarding ways of parasites transmission and preventive measures, careful supervision on the execution of sanitary regulations in the health centers, education of patients and their families, and treatment of patients.