Influence of Water Insalubrity on Intestinal Parasitic Colonization Among the Riverside Population of Bolenge Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study (2024)
Abstract
Introduction
Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation remains a major public health challenge in developing countries. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), many riverside communities rely on untreated surface water, exposing them to waterborne diseases, including intestinal parasites. This study aimed to investigate the influence of water insalubrity on intestinal parasitic colonization among the riverside population of the Bolenge Health Zone.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from October to December 2024 among 384 residents of the Bolenge Health Zone, Équateur Province, DRC. Participants were selected using stratified cluster random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, stool samples analyzed using direct smear and Kato-Katz concentration techniques, and water samples analyzed for fecal coliforms using membrane filtration. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between water sources and parasitic infection (p < 0.05).
Results
The sample was predominantly female (56.0%), aged 25–34 years (28.1%), and had primary education (34.1%). The majority used unprotected water sources (river/unprotected wells: 62.0%), and 70.8% did not treat water before consumption. Latrines were absent in 35.9% of households, and open defecation was practiced by 35.9%. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 60.1%. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (28.1%), Giardia intestinalis (21.9%), and Trichuris trichiura (16.9%). Water from the river/unprotected wells showed the highest contamination with fecal coliforms. A strong, significant association was found between water source and parasitic infection (p < 0.001). The prevalence was highest among river/unprotected well users (73.1%), compared to protected wells (55.6%) and forages/tap water (38.5%). Only 41.1% of respondents knew the link between unsafe water and disease.
Conclusion
Intestinal parasitic colonization is highly prevalent among the riverside population of Bolenge Health Zone and is strongly associated with consumption of untreated water from unprotected sources. The lack of water treatment, poor sanitation practices, and low awareness of water-related health risks are major contributing factors. Urgent interventions are needed: provision of safe water infrastructure, community hygiene education, promotion of household water treatment, and mass deworming campaigns.
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How to cite
Ndombe Mukaba, A. (2026). Influence of Water Insalubrity on Intestinal Parasitic Colonization Among the Riverside Population of Bolenge Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study (2024). SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0031-influence-of-water-insalubrity-on-intestinal-parasitic-colonization-am