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Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths and its Associated Risk Factors among primary School Children in Gedeo Zone,Southern Ethiopia
Abstract
Background: Intestinal helminths infection mainly occurs in the tropics and sub-tropics, and affects many school age children by causing anemia, malnutrition and restricting physical and cognitive development. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminths and its associated risk factors among primary school children in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2020. Primary school children aged 5 to 16 years, and given written consent by their parents/guardians were included in the study. Stool samples were collected,
processed and examined using Wet Mount (WM) and Formol-Ether Concentration (FEC) techniques. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, range, and standard deviation (SD) was calculated to describe relevant variables. The Chi-square(X2) test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were also done to determine the association between the risk factors and intestinal helminths.
Result: A total of 413 school children participated in the study. The mean age ± SD was 10.7±2.64 years. The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 114 (27.6%). Ascaris lumbricoid was the most prevalent intestinal helminth 77(18.6%) followed by Hookworm 15 (3.6%) and Trichuris trichiuria 9 (2.1%). Poor hand washing practice before meal (AOR=3.72; 95% CI: 0.211-3.9; P= 0.002), drinking water from river (AOR=2.9; 95% CI: 0.56-3.51; P=0.000), living in rural area (AOR=1.81; 95% CI: 0.43-2.33; P=0.008) and improper toilet use (AOR=2.16; 95% CI: 0.39-3.36; P= 0.000) were factors associated with intestinal helminths infections.
Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal helminths infection was high in primary school children in the Gedeo zone. Therefore, intervention works including periodic school-based deworming programs is needed to avoid helminth infection in primary school children.
