Abstract

Background: The lack of set up in vulnerable population settings increases inhabitant’s exposure to fecal–oral pathogens. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Nicaraguan Caribbean islands to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for intestinal parasitism. Methods: A total of 228 stool samples were analyzed by modified concentration technique. A structured questionnaire was used to gather variables. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine potential risk factors was employed. Findings: In both islands, overall prevalence of parasitism reached 88.2%. Most parasitism with protist species appeared in El Bluff compared to Rama Cay (p < 0.0001). Trichuris trichiura was the dominant helminth species in El Bluff (79.8%) while Ascaris lumbricoides was in Rama Cay (64.7%). Those who live in Rama Cay had approximately a 78.8% lower chance (odds) (0.212; 95% CI: 0.069–0.541; p = 0.002) of experiencing parasitism than those in El Bluff. The use of latrines remained as the only significant predictor for parasitism (p = 0.013). Main Conclusion: It seems that Rama Cay currently has an improvement in the sanitary facilities that could limit protist parasitism. However, using latrines was assessed as a risk factor for being infected. In addition to the existence of latrines, their proper maintenance and cleaning is necessary to prevent parasitism.

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