Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis and Its Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6 to 59 months Attending Mekane Eyesus Primary Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Intestinal parasites are still a serious public health problem and important cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Unfortunately, pre-school children are more susceptible to infection. However, information is scarce in the study area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Northcentral Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Mekane Eyesus primary hospital from June 10 to November 30, 2020. Stool samples were collected from 322 children and examined by using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. The data were entered and analyzed using EPI Info v7 and SPSS v23 statistical software, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was carried out and potential associated factors were identified based on adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value <.05. Results. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 18.0% (95% CI: 14.0%-22.0%). A total of 4 parasites were examined and the dominant parasite was E. histolytica /dispar (8.1%) followed by A. limbricoide (4.7%). Children with irregular trimming of fingernails (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.59-6.21), and child who have habit of eating unwashed fruits/vegetables (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.14-12.82) were strongly associated with IPIs. Conclusions. Protozoa parasites are most common cause of diseases in children. The study identified some preventable and modifiable factors to address the prevalence of IPIs. Additionally, improving mothers/guardians awareness about source of infection and mode of transmission is necessary.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Children under Five Years of Age Attended at Bachuma Primary Hospital, West Omo Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Only wet mount preparation was used as the main diagnostic technique, which may contribute to the low prevalence, while in some of the above studies, better detection techniques such as concentration technique was used which could increase the prevalence. Te fnding of this study is higher than what is found at Dessie Referral Hospital (15.5%) [16], Debre Birhan referral hospital, North Shoa, Ethiopia (17.4%) [17], Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia (17.44%) [18], Mekane Eyesus Primary Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia (18.0%) [19], Woreta Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia (18.7%) [20], Bahir Dar and Han Health Centers, Northern Ethiopia (19%) [21], and South Ethiopian Hospital (21.2%) [22]. Te reason for these variations may be attributed more to the diference in geographical locations of the study areas, that is, the current study was conducted in relatively less urbanized parts of the country with low coverage infrastructures such as health facilities.…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors For Intestinal Nematodes Infections among Primary School Children at Kigeme Refugee Camp, Southern Province, Rwanda

“…In another study, the participant's educational level was statistically associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) whereby illiterate individuals were 2.87 times more likely to be infected with IPIs than the others. [20] On the other hand, knowledge on roots of transmission of intestinal nematodes for family members was seen as a protective factor in both univariate logistic regression OR = 0.243, P = 0.0001 and multiple logistic regression analysis OR = 0.395, P = 0.040. This means that knowing the roots of transmission of intestinal nematodes is a stand-alone protective factor with regard to parasitic preventions, this has also been reported elsewhere.…”

Intestinal parasitic infections among children aged 12–59 months in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda

“…In the present study, children from households engaged in farming activities had a higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Similarly, a study conducted in Ethiopia reported that children from families engaged in farming activities had a higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections than those from families not engaged in farming activities [ 20 ].…”