Chapter 1
Health Inequalities and Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Northern Nigeria: A Socio-Demographic Perspective
- By Farida Jazuli Usman, Mustapha Abubakar Khalid, Musa Isah, Nasiru Yusif Gawuna, Yahaya Abdullahi, Akibu Hamisu Hassan - 25 Nov 2025
- Health Diversity, Volume: 1, Pages: 1 - 4
Abstract/Preface
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings where poverty, poor sanitation, and gender inequality intersect. Women living with obstetric fistula represent one of the most marginalized groups globally, socially isolated, nutritionally deprived, and often neglected by healthcare systems. This chapter examines the prevalence and socio demographic determinants of intestinal parasitic infections among obstetric fistula patients in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Using a cross sectional design involving 250 fistula patients, stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The overall infection prevalence was 16.4%, with Ascaris lumbricoides (5.6%) and Entamoeba histolytica (4.4%) being the most common. Infection was significantly associated with rural residence, unemployment, and open defecation (p < 0.05). These findings reveal that health inequality, shaped by socio-economic deprivation and poor sanitation, sustains intestinal parasitic infections among obstetric fistula patients. The chapter highlights how integrating parasitological screening into fistula care and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions can help reduce infection burden and promote recovery in this vulnerable group.