Abstract

Background:

More than 24% of the world population, and 25 million school-aged children are affected by iintestinal parasites. The prevalence is about 40% in Africa. In Ethiopia the prevalence ranges between 18-81%. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their risk factors among rural school children in Wenago District in South Ethiopia.

Methodology: A random sample of 864 students from the Wenago district was included in this survey using multi stage sampling. We used the Kato-Katz and formalin-diethyl ether concentration technique to detect eggs or cysts of the parasites. Measurements such as weight, height and haemoglobin were made.  Information about socio-demographic characteristics, household assets, hygiene, and past child illness was collected from parents or guardians. Epi-data version 3.1 was used for data entry, and the data was analysed using SPSS and STATA software. Multilevel logistic regression model were applied to detect the predictors of intestinal parasite

Result: Out of 850 children examined, 479 56% (95% CI: 53% - 60%) were infected with intestinal parasites. Two hundred seventy six (57.6%) of the infected children were boys. The most frequent intestinal parasites were Trichuris trichiura 42.4% (360 children), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 18.7% (159), Taenia species 10.2% (87), Hookworm species 4.4% (37), Strongyloides stercoralis 3.9% (33) and Hymenolepis nana 0.2% (2). The mean egg intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides was 302.9 eggs per gram of stool (95% CI: 118.8 - 487.1), Trichuris trichiura 160.3 (95% CI: 129.6 -191.1), Taenia species 155.3 (95% CI: 127.8, 182.8), Hookworm 83.7 (95% CI: 68.3 - 99.1) and Strongyloides stercoralis 57.8 (95% CI: 36.8- 78.8) were observed. Multiple infection of intestinal parasite was observed among 30% (144) of the children.  The odds of intestinal parasitic infection increased by 50% among anaemic children [AOR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.28). Thin or wasted children also had higher odds of intestinal parasitic infection [AOR: 1.82 (95% CI: 1.09, 3.04). (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high among school children in South Ethiopia. Higher mean intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs was observed. Higher odds of intestinal parasite infections were observed among anaemic and thin children.

Key words: Intestinal parasites, Kato-Katz, Formalin-Diethyl ether concentration, School children, Southern Ethiopia