Abstract
Introduction
Taeniasis, an intestinal infection caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata, remains a significant public health concern in developing regions, particularly Southeast Asia. In Cambodia’s North-east provinces, socio-economic, dietary, and environmental factors contribute to infection persistence, yet localized data are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of taeniasis and identify associated socio-economic, demographic, dietary, and environmental risk factors among residents in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified random sampling of 508 participants from rural households. Data collection included structured questionnaires assessing demographics, characteristics, hygiene and sanitation practices, dietary habits (particularly pork consumption) and contact with livestock. Furthermore, stool samples were collected and analyzed using the formalin‒ethyl acetate concentration technique for the detection of taenia eggs. Stata was used in the statistical analyses, which included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for bivariate associations, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors presented as adjusted ORs (AORs) and 95% CIs.
Results
Among the total sample, 59.5% were females, with a median age of 25 years (IQR: 11–40). The most common age group was 6–18 years (40.4%), followed by 19–40 years (34.8%). The overall prevalence of taeniasis was 11.0%. While general awareness of helminth infection was high (84.5%), only 75.6% had specific knowledge of taeniasis. There was no significant association between prevalence of taeniasis and sex, study site, pig ownership, pork consumption, or latrine availability. However, significant associations were found for increased ages (p<0.001), specific knowledge of taeniasis (p=0.008), and a history of observing tapeworm segments in the stool (p<0.001). Compared with those aged 6–18 years, those aged 19–40 years (AOR=6.07; 95% CI: 1.91–19.20) and 41–80 years (AOR=5.05; 95% CI: 1.60–16.00) had significantly greater odds of taeniasis. Reporting the observation of tapeworm segments in feces was also independently associated with infection, with an AOR of 2.47 (95% CI: 1.12–5.42). Sex, latrine availability, and general knowledge of taeniasis were not statistically significant in the adjusted model.
Conclusion
This study revealed an 11% prevalence of taeniasis among rural residents of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces. Older age groups and a history of observing tapeworm segments in feces were significantly associated with increased infection risk. These findings highlight the need for age-targeted health education, improved diagnostic access, and community-based deworming strategies.