# Prevalence, infection intensity, and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and intestinal schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in Southern Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study found that over 40% of schoolchildren in Southern Ethiopia are infected with soil-transmitted helminths or intestinal schistosomiasis, with risk factors including poor hygiene and lack of deworming.

## Contribution

The study provides localized epidemiological data on helminth infections in Southern Ethiopia and identifies specific risk factors for infection.

## Key findings

- Combined prevalence of STH and schistosomiasis was 42.6% among 394 schoolchildren.
- Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite, followed by Trichuris trichiura and hookworms.
- Consuming unwashed food, swimming in contaminated water, and lack of deworming were significant risk factors.

## Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and intestinal schistosomiasis are widespread and prevalent in tropical regions due to poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. Despite control efforts, localized epidemiological data remain essential for effective intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of STH and associated factors among schoolchildren in Hawella Tulla sub-city, Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia.

A school-based cross-sectional study involving 394 primary schoolchildren was conducted from June to December 2023. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Infection with the parasite was diagnosed by Kato–Katz microscopy. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with the STH infections.

The combined prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and intestinal schistosomiasis was 42.6% (168/394; 95% CI: 37.8–47.6). STHs constituted the predominant infection, detected in 41.1% of children (162/394; 95% CI: 36.3–46.0), while intestinal schistosomiasis was found in 3.3% (13/394; 95% CI: 1.9–5.4). The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (29.2%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (17.8%) and hookworms (5.1%). Schoolchildren who reported consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables (AOR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.73–4.85), swimming or bathing in streams or lakes (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.31–3.79), and not receiving deworming treatment (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26–3.56) were significantly more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs).

Overall, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni remain significant public health concerns in the study area, affecting more than one-third of schoolchildren. Infections were strongly associated with poor hygiene practices, inadequate deworming coverage, and exposure to contaminated water sources. This highlights the need for improved hygiene, health education, and deworming programs.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and intestinal schistosomiasis remain major health problems in areas with poor sanitation, frequent contact with contaminated water, and limited access to clean water. In Ethiopia, these infections persist, particularly in rural communities where open defecation, frequent contact with contaminated water, and low hygiene awareness are common. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of STHs and S. mansoni infections among schoolchildren in Hawella Tula Rural District, Southern Ethiopia. Over 40% of children were infected with at least one parasite, with A. lumbricoides being the most prevalent, followed by T. trichiura. Infections were strongly linked to eating unwashed vegetables, swimming or bathing in contaminated water, and a lack of deworming treatment. Poor sanitation and limited access to safe water further increased the risk of infection. These findings indicate that soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosoma mansoni infections remain major public health challenges despite ongoing national control efforts. Strengthening school-based deworming programs, enhancing hygiene education, reducing exposure to unsafe water, and expanding access to safe water and sanitation are critical to safeguarding children’s health in this region.