PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GORA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IJAJI TOWN, ILU GELAN WOREDA, WEST SHOA, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Intestinal parasite infections constitute major public health challenges among school children in developing tropical and sub-tropical countries. They are distributed throughout the world with high prevalence rates especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among school children in Gora Primary School of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The design of the study was cross- sectional survey, involving 408 participants (203 males and 205 females, age ranging from 7-18 years). The children were selected using stratified random sampling method to participate in this study. Fresh stool samples were collected and processed for microscopic examinations using direct wet-mount and Formol-Ether concentration methods. Structured pre-tested questionnaires were administered to gather relevant information on demographic data of the school children. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections were 27.9 % (31.01% for males and 24.8% for females). Multiple infections with three parasites were found in 1.2 % (5/408) of the sample participants. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lambilia, Hymenolepsis nana and hookworm infections were 15.2%, 6.9%,2.4%, 2.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections were significantly associated with washing hands after defecation (p=0.007). Most of the socio-demographic factors, (family size, parents’ occupation, parent educational level, and personal hygiene, source of water and its handling, shoes wearing and residence) were not significantly associated with intestinal parasite infections. Coordinated work with health officers and school community is required on the investigation of intestinal parasite infections.