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<p>Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Pre-school and school-aged children are among the most vulnerable segments in the population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and to identify associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nefas Mewcha Primary School. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2023. Socio-demographic data and potential risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were collected using a structured questionnaire. Subsequently, parasitological examinations were performed to determine the infection status of the schoolchildren. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Furthermore, binary logistic regression was employed to assess the strength of association between potential risk factors and intestinal parasitic infections. This study revealed that 40.4% of schoolchildren tested positive for one or more intestinal parasites. A total of seven different species of intestinal parasites were identified. Among these, <i>E. histolytica/dispar</i> was the most prevalent species (14.6%), followed by <i>G. lamblia</i> (13.6%). Protozoan parasites accounted for the majority of infections, affecting 28% of students, whereas helminthic infection accounts for 12.3%. Among the potential risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), children born to illiterate mother (AOR = 12.45; 95%CI 2.15–72, <i>p</i> = 0.005), those who drank pond water (AOR = 15.53: 95%: 4.45–54.30; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and children who did not wear shoes regularly (AOR = 15.39; 95% CI 7.35–32.27; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. The study indicated a moderate prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in the study area. To reduce the burden of these infections, it is crucial to improve access to clean water and enhance awareness among schoolchildren and their parents.</p>

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Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among schoolchildren in Nefas Mewcha primary school, Amhara region, Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月24日

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  • Negusie Gelaw,
  • Tamirat Hailegebriel

摘要

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Pre-school and school-aged children are among the most vulnerable segments in the population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and to identify associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nefas Mewcha Primary School. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2023. Socio-demographic data and potential risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were collected using a structured questionnaire. Subsequently, parasitological examinations were performed to determine the infection status of the schoolchildren. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Furthermore, binary logistic regression was employed to assess the strength of association between potential risk factors and intestinal parasitic infections. This study revealed that 40.4% of schoolchildren tested positive for one or more intestinal parasites. A total of seven different species of intestinal parasites were identified. Among these, E. histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent species (14.6%), followed by G. lamblia (13.6%). Protozoan parasites accounted for the majority of infections, affecting 28% of students, whereas helminthic infection accounts for 12.3%. Among the potential risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), children born to illiterate mother (AOR = 12.45; 95%CI 2.15–72, p = 0.005), those who drank pond water (AOR = 15.53: 95%: 4.45–54.30; p < 0.001), and children who did not wear shoes regularly (AOR = 15.39; 95% CI 7.35–32.27; p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. The study indicated a moderate prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in the study area. To reduce the burden of these infections, it is crucial to improve access to clean water and enhance awareness among schoolchildren and their parents.