Sociodemographic and Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Amebiasis and Giardiasis Hospitalised in a Public Hospital in Belém (2005–2011)

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal infections caused by protozoa such as amebiasis and giardiasis remain a significant public health issue, particularly in regions where basic sanitation is inadequate. These diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including individuals with low educational attainment, limited financial resources, and restricted access to healthcare services. Prolonged hospital stays or delayed diagnoses further exacerbate the economic burden on the healthcare system. Objective: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and epidemiological profile of patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of amebiasis or giardiasis at a public hospital in Belém, Pará. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective observational study was conducted covering the period from January 2005 to December 2011, in the Medical, Surgical, or Intensive Care Units of the Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto. focusing on cases of amebiasis and giardiasis. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted, analysing 136 patients hospitalised with amebiasis (77.2%) or giardiasis (22.8%) at the Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto. The BIOESTAT 5.0 program was used for statistical analysis. Results-discussion: The majority of patients were male (69.9%), with the 31–45 age group being the most prevalent (30.9%). The most common educational level was 5–8 years of schooling (33.8%), and 52.9% of patients originated from municipalities outside Belém. The prevalence was 0.38%, with an incidence of 0.05% and a lethality rate of 0.7%. The average length of hospital stay was 16.7 days. Conclusion: The findings underscore the substantial impact of intestinal protozoan infections on vulnerable populations and highlight the urgent need for public policies focused on prevention, timely diagnosis, and early treatment. This research enhances our understanding of regional patterns in protozoan intestinal diseases and provides valuable evidence to guide integrated prevention, control, and public health planning strategies, particularly in regions characterised by low Human Development Index.