# Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Schoolchildren at Mikara Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study found a high rate of intestinal parasites in schoolchildren in Ethiopia and identified risk factors like poor hygiene and water sources.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in a specific school setting in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 40.5% among 363 schoolchildren.
- Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most common parasite, with a prevalence of 10.7%.
- Key risk factors included male gender, age under 9, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices.

## Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems with a wide global distribution and are associated with significant diseases and death, especially in preschool‐aged and school‐aged children. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of IPIs and at identifying related risk factors among schoolchildren enrolled at Mikara Primary School in Ethiopia. A school‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024. A total of 363 schoolchildren participated in the study, selected through stratified random sampling. Data on risk factors for IPIs were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were obtained and analyzed by direct wet mounting and sedimentation methods. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible relationships between the dependent and independent variables. In this study, the overall prevalence of IPIs was 40.5% (147 out of 363 participants), and seven different species of intestinal parasites were identified. Entamoeba histolytica/disar was the most common species, with a prevalence of 10.7%, followed by Giardia lamblia (8.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.5%), hookworm (7.2%), Trichuris trichiura (4.1%), and Taenia spp. (2.8%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%). The probability of having an IPI was higher in men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR = 2.02]), children under 9 years of age (AOR = 3.22), individuals practicing open defecation (AOR = 3.2), those who relied on stream or river water as their main source of drinking water (AOR = 4.2), and participants who did not wash their hands before eating (AOR = 3.65). The occurrence of IPIs among study participants was notably high. Therefore, relevant stakeholders should design and implement evidence‐based intervention measures to effectively prevent and control IPIs throughout the study area, placing a particular focus on targeted health education and awareness campaigns for schoolchildren and their parents.