Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites Among Correctional Inmates at Medium Security Custodian Center Gombe, Gombe State

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are a major public health concern globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in low-income and confined populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Gombe, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a total of 300 inmates aged 20 years and above were selected using simple random sampling, with sample size determined based on standard epidemiological sampling procedures. Stool samples were collected and analyzed at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital between April and June 2020 with the support of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Laboratory examination was carried out using saline-iodine wet mount and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining methods. Parasites were identified using a binocular microscope at 10× magnification and confirmed at 40×. The results showed that Taenia species were the most prevalent parasites detected (35% of cases), followed by Ancylostoma duodenale (30% of cases) and Entamoeba histolytica (27% of cases). Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the least detected, with 5 and 3% cases respectively. Results of these findings highlight the ongoing risk of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among inmates and underscore the need for improved environmental sanitation, routine health screening, and effective infection control measures in correctional facilities. Strengthening hygiene practices, ensuring safe food handling, improving sanitation infrastructure, and providing early diagnosis and treatment are essential for reducing the burden of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among inmates.