Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant public health problem and are associated with nutritional deficiencies, including anemia. Objective: To evaluate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and anemia among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data obtained from 510 patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South India. Stool samples were examined using standard microscopic and concentration techniques for the detection of intestinal parasites. Hemoglobin levels were obtained from laboratory records, and anemia was defined according to WHO criteria. The association between intestinal parasitic infections and anemia was assessed using the Chi-square test, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results: Out of 510 patients, 136 (26.7%) had parasitic infections and 148 (29.0%) were anemic. Among the anemic patients, 59 (39.9%) had associated parasitic infections. A total of 74 parasitic isolates were identified, with single infections in 44 (74.6%) and double infections in 15 (25.4%) patients. A statistically significant association was observed between parasitic infections and anemia (χ² = 17.63, p <0.001), with higher odds of anemia among infected patients (OR = 2.45). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections are significantly associated with anemia, emphasizing the need for routine screening, timely treatment and strengthened public health measures such as improved sanitation, safe water and health education to reduce disease burden in resource-limited settings.
