Parasitic Worms in Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Influencing Factors

Greg Howard
26th March, 2025

Parasitic Worms in Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Influencing Factors

Hookworm was the most prevalent helminth infection identified in this study of pregnant women, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura.

Image adapted from: Said et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • In Uganda, approximately 28% of pregnant women are infected with soil-transmitted worms, showing a decrease from past rates
  • Hookworm is the most prevalent type of infection, responsible for over 80% of these cases
  • Women in rural areas and those without proper sanitation or hygiene practices, like handwashing and wearing shoes, are at higher risk of infection
Soil-transmitted helminth infections, commonly known as helminthes, remain a significant public health concern, particularly among pregnant women in developing regions. These parasitic infections can have detrimental effects on both maternal health and fetal development, including causing anemia and affecting nutrient absorption. Despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for routine deworming, recent studies indicate that helminth prevalence among pregnant women in Uganda remains concerning. A recent hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted by researchers at Kampala International University-Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda, and the Central University of Tamil Nadu, India[1], sought to evaluate the current prevalence of helminth infections in pregnant women and identify associated risk factors. The study was carried out from January to April 2024 and included 334 pregnant women who attended local health facilities. Participants provided stool samples, which were examined microscopically for helminths, and completed questionnaires that assessed various behavioral and environmental factors. The findings revealed that 27.54% of the pregnant women were infected with helminthes. Among those infected, hookworm was the most prevalent species, accounting for 83.7% of infections, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (31.5%) and Trichuris triciuria (21.7%). These results indicate a lower prevalence compared to earlier studies. For instance, a study conducted in Maytsebri primary hospital reported a 51.5% infection rate, with hookworm being predominant at 78.16%[2]. Similarly, research in Mecha district found a high prevalence of 70.6%[3], while a study in Wondo Genet district documented a 38.7% rate of intestinal parasitic infections[4]. The lower prevalence in the current study suggests potential improvements in public health interventions, although the rate remains significant. Several factors were identified as being significantly associated with helminth infections. Age and rural residence emerged as notable determinants, with younger women and those living in rural areas being more susceptible. Environmental and hygiene-related factors also played a crucial role. Lack of toilet facilities, inadequate handwashing after using the toilet, not washing hands before meals, and walking barefoot were all linked to higher infection rates. These findings echo previous research which highlighted similar risk factors. For example, the absence of latrines and poor handwashing habits were also significant in the Mecha district study[3], and not wearing shoes was a consistent risk factor across multiple studies[2][3]. The study also underscores the importance of preventive measures beyond routine deworming. While Uganda's adoption of the WHO's biannual deworming program aims to reduce helminth prevalence, the persistence of infections suggests that additional interventions are necessary. Health education campaigns that promote proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and the use of footwear, are essential. Moreover, improving sanitation infrastructure by increasing access to clean toilet facilities can significantly mitigate the risk of infection. Incorporating findings from other studies, the current research aligns with the broader understanding that environmental and behavioral factors are critical in controlling helminth infections. For instance, a systematic review highlighted the strong association between hookworm infection and anemia in pregnant women, as well as its coinfection with malaria[5]. Although the present study did not specifically address anemia, the reduction in helminth prevalence could potentially lead to lower anemia rates, benefiting both maternal and fetal health. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic disparities is crucial. Studies have shown that lower educational levels and economic status are linked to higher infection rates[3]. By targeting interventions in rural and impoverished communities, where the burden of helminth infections is often greatest, public health efforts can be more effective. Providing education on the importance of hygiene and sanitation, coupled with economic support for infrastructure improvements, can create sustainable reductions in helminth prevalence. In conclusion, while the prevalence of helminth infections among pregnant women in Uganda has decreased compared to previous reports, it remains a significant health issue. The study highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive public health strategies that include routine deworming, improved sanitation, and education on hygiene practices. By building on the findings of earlier studies[2][3][4][5], policymakers and health practitioners can develop targeted interventions to further reduce the burden of helminth infections and enhance the health outcomes of pregnant women and their babies.

MedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Prevalence, common helminthes, and factors associated with helminthes among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Uganda

Published 25th March, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012926

Related Studies

2) Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthes among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Maytsebri primary hospital, North Ethiopia.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-019-4684-3

3) Prevalence of helminthic infections and determinant factors among pregnant women in Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-018-3291-6

4) Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its association with anemia among pregnant women in Wondo Genet district, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-4135-8

5) Maternal Hookworm Infection and Its Effects on Maternal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0503


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