Magnitude of Intestinal Parasite Infestation and Associated Factors among Food Handlers Working in Catering Establishments of Bonga, Mizan-Aman and Tepi Towns of Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: Food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of foodborne infections. This study was conducted to determine level of intestinal parasites infestation and food hygiene practices of food handlers working in catering establishment of Mizan-Aman, Bonga and Tepi towns of south-western Ethiopia from April 1-May 20/2019. Methodology: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 241 food handlers. The data was collected through face to face interview using pre tested structured questionnaires. Stool sample was taken from each participant. Results: Intestinal parasites were identified among 40 (16.6%) of food handlers and 6 (2.5%) of them were carriers of Salmonella species. Schistosoma mansoni 10 (4.1%), Trichuria 8 (3.3%) and Ascariss lumbercoid 6 (2.5%), Hook worm 5 (2.1%), E. histolytica/dispar 4 (1.7%), Gardia lamblia 3 (1.2%), Tinea species 2 (0.8%) and H. nana and E. vermicularis represents 1 (0.4%) each. Average monthly income (AOR=3.77, CI 95% (1.95, 10.91)) and service year of the food handlers (AOR=1.18, CI 95% (1.12, 9.40)) were significantly associated with being infected with intestinal parasitosis. Conclusion: Magnitude of intestinal infestation among food handlers found to be high but Salmonella carriage rate was low. Intestinal infestation was associated with monthly income and service year of food handlers. Conclusion: Magnitude of intestinal infestation among food handlers found to be high but Salmonella carriage rate was low. Intestinal infestation was associated with monthly income and service year of food handlers. Keywords Food handlers; Catering establishment; Intestinal infestation; Helminthes; Salmonella