# Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations Among School Going Children of Shree Krishna Sanskrit Tatha Sadharan Madhaymik Vidhyalaya, Surkhet: An Observational Study

## TL;DR

This observational study found a high rate of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Surkhet, Nepal, highlighting public health concerns.

## Contribution

The study provides new local data on intestinal parasitic infestations in a specific school setting in Nepal.

## Key findings

- 52.41% of school-going children had intestinal parasitic infestations.
- Children aged 6-9 years had an 82.45% prevalence of infestation.
- Handwashing with water only and lack of anthelmintic medication were associated with higher infestation rates.

## Abstract

Parasitosis is a major public health concern in developing countries, significantly contributing to childhood malnutrition, anemia, stunted physical and mental growth, and social problems. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal worm infestation and its associated risk factors among school going children.

A descriptive study was done among school - going children of Shree Krishna Sanskrit Tatha Sadharan Madhaymik Vidhyalaya from March 20 to May 31, 2025. A purposive (non-probability) sampling technique was employed. Prior Informed consent was obtained from participants and guardians. Data were collected using a structured, self-designed proforma. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.

The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among school-going children in this study was 129 (52.41%; 95.00% CI: 46.00%-58.82%). Among children aged 6-9 years, the prevalence was 47 (82.45%), and among females, it was 75 (55.55%). Infestation was found in 46 (92.00%) of children who washed hands with water only after defecation and in 53 (77.94%) of those who had not taken anthelmintic medication.

Parasitic infestations in children included in this study was higher as compared to other published study in Nepal.