Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is one of the most common diseases worldwide, particularly in the developing world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of IPI in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia and to determine associated factors. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between 2019 and 2023. Demographic data and stool sample data from both inpatients and outpatients at three hospitals in the Al-Baha region were retrospectively obtained from the laboratory records. Results: Among the 3276 stool samples examined, 529 positive samples were recorded (16.1%; 95% CI: 14.9%–17.5%). Entamoeba histolytica was the most predominant (70.7%), followed by Giardia (12.5%) and Ascaris (12.3%). The patients with positive results were 53.1% males, 90.4% Saudi, and 66.7% children 10 years and less. The prevalence of washing hands was 72.2% and the prevalence of consumption of raw vegetables was 72.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the factors associated with IPIs showed that lack of hand washing before meals was strongly associated with a higher risk of IPIs (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.61–2.49, p< 0.001). Consumption of raw vegetables showed a modest but significant association with IPIs (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.59, p=0.03). Conclusions: Entamoeba histolytica is the most prevalent IPI and remains a public health concern in the Al-Baha region. The findings highlight poor hygiene and bad dietary habits as two independent risk factors. Thus, it is essential to implement more effective preventive and control measures, particularly hand washing and the consumption of raw vegetables among children.