Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Chiildren of AtseFassil Primary School in Azezo Area , Gondar, North-West ,Ethiopia

Abstract

The burden of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) has been a common problem for children in Ethiopia. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Atse Fassil Primary School. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 30, 2021 in Azezo sub city, Gondar, Northern West Ethiopia. Children ages 7 to 16 attending this school were considered in the study. A total of 388 students were selected using a stratified systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected through direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques were used for parasitological analysis of stool samples taken from each student. Information about the risk factors was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Chi-square, P-value, crude and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were calculated to determine whether there was a link between the study variables and intestinal parasitic infection. A Pvalue of 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of IPIs among the children involved in the study was found to be 31% (119/388). Five species of intestinal parasites were detected, and Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent (17.4%), followed by Giardia spp. (4.1%),Shistosoma spp. (4.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3.4%), and Hymenolepis nana (2%). All students exhibited single infections (no double or poly-parasitism). The most important predictors of IPIs (P< 0.05) were age(11- 14), open field defecation, frequent river water contact, dirty and untrimmed finger nails, and eating uncooked vegetables are at high risk of IPIs .Conclusion, Therefore, personal sanitary education, having small family size, proper cooking or washing of vegetables before eating, using toilet for defecation, and always wearing shoe were important measures that greatly reduced the predominant intestinal parasitic infections prevalent in the study area. Awareness-creation on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is strongly recommended. Keywords:, Intestinal parasitic infection, Prevalence, Risk factor .Primary school children