Human Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Elementary School Children in Merawi Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection is still common in Ethiopia. Periodic evaluation of the current status of human intestinal parasitic infections (HIPIs) is a prerequisite to controlling these health threats. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinant factors of HIPIs among elementary school-age children in Merawi town. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study design was used among 403 children. The direct wet mount method was used to diagnose the stool samples. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents were collected using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results. Out of the 403 students, the overall prevalence of HIPIs was 173 (42.9%). The magnitudes of single and double infections were 39.7% and 3.2%, respectively. Seventy-two (17.9%) were positive for Entamoeba histolytica, 63 (15.4%) for Giardia lamblia, 28 (9.6%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 22 (6.9%) for hookworm, and 1 (0.2%) for Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in the age group of 6–11 years compared to other age groups. The following were the risk factors associated with HIPIs: groups aging 6 to 11 ( AOR = 9.581 ; 95% CI: 0.531-17.498; P = 0.008 ), aging 12 to 18 ( AOR = 3.047 ; 95% CI: 0.055-1.828; P = 0.008 ), not washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 3.683 ; 95% CI; 1.577-8.598; P = 0.003 ), not regularly washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 2.417 ; 95% CI; 1.224-4.774; P = 0.003 ), dirty fingernails ( AOR = 2.639 ; 95% CI: 1.388-5.020; P = 0.003 ), not wearing shoes ( AOR = 2.779 ; 95% CI: 1.267-6.096; P = 0.011 ), rural residence ( AOR = 6.6 ; 95% CI; 0.06-0.351; P < 0.0001 ), and a family size greater than or equal to five ( AOR = 2.160 ; 95% CI: 1.179-3.956; P = 0.013 ). Conclusion. The prevalence of HIPIs among elementary school children in Merawi town was very high. Thus, there is a need for intensive health education for behavioral changes related to personal hygiene and mass treatment for effective control of HIPIs in the study area.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition and their associated risk factors among school‐age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A community‐based cross‐sectional study

“…The result of this study was comparable with the number of studies reported in Ethiopia, such as Maksegnit (40.4%), Merawi Town (42.9%), Arbaminch (46.5%), 14 , 15 , 35 the pooled prevalence in Ethiopia (46.09%), 36 and Eritrea (45.3%). 23 In contrast, the current study prevalence was lower in comparison with studies done in various areas of the country, such as Mecha district (61.7%), Bahir Dar (52.4%), 9 , 19 and in other countries like Sudan (87.2%) 37 and Argentina (78.1%).…”

“…1,11 There are studies on intestinal parasites among school-age children in different areas of Ethiopia. [12][13][14][15] However, the major limitation of the studies was determining intestinal parasite prevalence by examination of a single stool specimen. In addition, opportunistic infections were not evaluated.…”

Prevalence and Management Strategies of Perceived Intestinal Parasitic Infections by Households in Imo State Nigeria

“…The study was carried out in Imo State, south-eastern Nigeria (figure 1). Imo State lies within latitudes 4°45'N and 7°15'N, and longitudes 6°50'E and 7°25'E, with an area of about 5,100 km 2…”

“…Intestinal parasitic infections (intestinal worms) are major public health problems confronting the world, especially in developing countries [1]. IPIs have been identified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) [2][3][4] and have received global attention. Although IPIs affect all age groups, it is a major cause of morbidity among school-aged children [5] due to their unhygienic practices and weak immune system [6,7].…”

“…In developing countries, periodic deworming with Albendazole, Pyrantel pamoate, Mebendazole and other Anthelminths was effective for the treatment of intestinal worm infection [13,14]. Periodic evaluation of prevalence and control measures employed by families is a prerequisite to controlling infections due to intestinal worms and associated health challenges [2]. Investigation of perception and knowledge of control /treatment options in the study will contribute extensively to educating families as part of integrated control strategies as recommended by [15].…”