RESUMO
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections [IPIs] are endemic worldwide and have been described as constituting the greatest single worldwide cause of illness and disease. Low income, poor personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and limited access to clean water are the factors associated with spread IPIs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the community awareness to IPIs and their related risk factors among people in Al-Ahssa
Subjects and Methods: A cross- section study was conducted in April 2014. A random sample of 120 participants was included. Data collection was gathered through the questionnaire form which includes inquires about social-demographic data, personal hygiene and habits
Results: Results showed that 92.7% of the participants were lacking awareness of IPIs. The proportions of participants who wash fruits and vegetables with only water before eating were 80% and 94% of them used to eat in restaurants at variable frequencies which was considered as a high risk factor for acquiring IPIs. However, the percentages of participants practice good hand washing before eating and after toilet were 67.7% and 90%, respectively which indicates lower risk
Conclusions: There is a need for campaigns to create awareness regarding the importance of prevention against the intestinal parasitic infection, and improve delivery of hygiene and health information