Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Health Card Applicants to Zabol Health Center in 2022-2023

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among health card applicants at the Zabol Health Center, focusing on associations with demographic factors such as age, sex, education level, and place of residence. Methods: This study encompassed 400 individuals aged 12 to 65 years (mean age: 32.11±14.75). It evaluated demographic variables, including education level and place of residence, with 80% from urban and 20% from rural areas. The study sought to identify and categorize intestinal parasites among the participants. Results: Of all participants, 14.2% tested positive for parasitic infections, primarily Giardia lamblia (6.3%) and Entamoeba histolytica (4.3%). Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between parasitic infection rates and both sex (P=0.012) and place of residence (P<0.001), with a higher prevalence observed in rural areas. No significant associations were found with education level (P=0.944) or age (P=0.917). The results suggest that living in rural areas significantly increases the risk of parasitic infections, likely due to poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions aimed at improving sanitary conditions and health education, especially in rural areas. Previous studies have similarly highlighted the vulnerability of rural populations to parasitic infections, emphasizing the role of environmental and living conditions in their spread. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted public health measures in rural areas to mitigate the high prevalence of parasitic infections. Recommendations include improving health education programs, developing diagnostic tools, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to promote better health outcomes.