Objective: Local assessment of the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among diabetic patients helps for good prognosis of diabetes. Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 215 diabetic patients. A structured questionnaire was used to capture data about socio-demographic characteristics, clinical history and factors associated with intestinal parasitosis. Stool samples were collected and processed by direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration and modified ziehl-Neelson staining techniques. All data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20.
Results: The rate of intestinal parasitic infection among diabetic patients was 19.5%. Cryptosporidium parvum accounts the highest frequency (18, 8.4%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (8, 3.7%). Presence of domestic animals in the house (AOR = 2.857, 95% CI 1.290-6.330, p = 0.010), manifestation of abdominal pain (AOR = 3.716, 95% CI 1.632-8.459, p = 0.002) and farmer and labor occupation (AOR = 3.695, 95% CI 1.082-12.618, p = 0.037) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis. The magnitude of intestinal parasitosis among diabetic patients attending Arba Minch Hospital was considerable. Hence, we recommend routine screening and prompt treatment for intestinal parasitosis in order to improve the health of diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Intestinal parasites; Opportunistic parasites.