Intestinal parasites infection and associated factors among school children in Dagi primary school, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common communicable dise ases worldwide, particularly in developing coun tries. Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected, and 450 million are ill as a result of these infections, among whom, the majority are children. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence of intestinal parasites infection and associated risk factors among school children in Dagi primary school, ANRS, Ethiopia. M ethods: Institutional-based cross-sectional stu dy was conducted by involving 399 school children from 24 September to 19 October, 2012. Structured questionnaires were used to identify environmental, socio-demographic and behavioral factors and stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct smear and formal-ether concentration technique. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 15 statistical soft ware. Results: Eight species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 77.9%. Students were infected with one or more intestinal parasites and the pre dominant parasite was hook worm, 94 (23.6%) followed by G. lamblia 91 (22.8%), E. histoltica 86 (21.6%) and Strongyloides 6 (1.5%). The presen ce of mixed parasitic infection was 106 (34.1%), double and triple infections were 97 (91.5%) and 9 (8.5%) respectively. Intestinal parasitic infection was higher in children whose fathers’ occupational status were farmers, who had unclean finger nails and who did not have the habit of wearing shoes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intestinal parasites infection was an important public health problem among Dagi primary school children. Therefore, the local health office and other governmental and non-governmental organizations need to give attention to this serious problem of intestinal parasitic infection of school children.