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.
