Prevalence, infection intensity and associated factors of soil transmitted helminths among primary school children in Gurage zone, South Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design

Prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among children in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium areas in Eastern Ethiopia: A community-based comparative study

Objectives

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infection is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that mainly affect peoples living in resource-limited settings and poor sanitation. However, the extent and potential predisposing factors of this infection among peoples living in previous leprosarium settlements in Eastern Ethiopia are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and associated factors of STHs infections among children aged 1-15 years in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium areas in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 580 systematically selected households from November 1, 2023 to February 30, 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography, and associated factors of STHs infections. Approximately 5 g of stool sample was collected and processed using the formol-ether concentration technique. Data were entered in Epi-Data version 4.2, and analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. A chi-square test was used to show statistical differences between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between independent variables and STHs infection.

Results

The overall prevalence of STHs infection was 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-16.80). The prevalence was 5.7% and 3.3% among children in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlements, respectively (X2 = 7.98, P = 0.017). Having no habit of hand washing after helping and cleaning children who had defecated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-5.80), (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI 2.21-9.33) and before eating (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.40-11.23), (AOR = 18.70, 95% CI 9.21-38.21) was associated with STHs infection in both previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlements. However, having no habit of hand washing after toilet use (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.34-7.40) and contact with soil (AOR = 5.98, 95% CI 1.62-22.10) was significantly associated with STHs infection in previous leprosarium settlements only.

Conclusions

In this study, STHs infections disproportionately affect children living in previous leprosarium compared with non-leprosarium settlements. Therefore, targeted mass deworming and health information dissemination on proper hygiene and sanitation should be given to the community to alleviate the problem.

Intestinal parasitic infections among children aged 7-14 years in Mizan-Aman city, Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections continue to pose a major threat to human health globally, with a particularly high prevalence in developing countries. Soil-borne helminthiasis and schistosomiasis are notably widespread.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of intestinal parasites infection among participants aged 7-14 years.

Methods

Community-wide prevalence study was undertaken from 30 August to 30 September 2021 in Mizan Aman Town. Socio-demographic information was collected using questionnaires. Three of the five kebels were randomly chosen. Households with children aged 7-14 were gathered from the chosen kebels and health post to recruit one eligible subject. Allocation of study subjects to each of the chosen kebels was computed proportionally. Two thick smear of Kato Katz technique was applied to examine stool samples. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. To investigate the association between the dependent and independent variables, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. Statistics were considered significant for p-values under 0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 64.6% (215/333). Of these, 51.05% (170/333) were infected with STHs, while 13.5% (45/333) had S. mansoni. T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth. Infection intensity ranged from light to moderate was observed. Prior information about STHs (aORr:2.022 = CI:1.222-3.340), poor knowledge about STHs (aOR:1.677 = CI:1.057-2.660), unaware of deworming as prevention method of S. mansoni (aOR:2.620:CI:1267-5.418), swimming (aOR:0.448:CI:0.176-0.992) and contact with water (aOR:0.402:CI:0.169-0.957) were significantly associated with the S. mansoni infection.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of intestinal parasite was high. Heavy infection was not recorded. Beyond mass deworming, the report emphasizes the necessity of ongoing public health interventions to address the high prevalence of these intestinal helminths.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Kindergarten Children: Prevalence, Intensity and Associated Factors in Bule Hora Town

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a common problem in Ethiopia. This parasite affects the physical and mental development of children, causing malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. However, there are inadequate studies that demonstrate the extent of STHs and associated factors among kindergarten children in South Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STH infection among kindergarten students in Bule Hora town. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 235 kindergarten children in Bule Hora town from January to February 2023. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on associated factors. EpiData and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Results: In the present study, the prevalence of STH was 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7%-34.3%). A. lumbricoides 26 (11.1%) was the most common parasite identified. The arithmetic mean (+SD) of the egg counts for each species of STHs was as follows: A. Lumbricoides 1886.9 (+2103.2), T. Trichiura 299.2 (+305.8), and hookworms 756.1 (+739.4). Factors that showed significant association in the current study were hand washing after the toilet (AOR: 2.992, 95% CI: 1.299-6.891,), fingernail trimming (AOR: 3.646, 95% CI: 1.704-7.798,), and shoe wearing habit (AOR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.170-3.924,). Conclusion: STH infection is a health problem among kindergarten children in Bule Hora town. Comprehensive health education on the value of hygienic habits, improved sanitation, and routine deworming of kindergarten children should be included in prevention and control efforts.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among School Children in Dembecha Town, Ethiopia

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common infections that affect the poorest and most deprived communities. In most developing countries, children aged 5 to 15 years are at risk for chronic helminth infection and associated morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infections and associated risk factors among three government elementary schools in Dembecha town, Ethiopia. We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study involving 316 participants between November 2019 and March 2020. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants from the study schools. Data related to the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and risk factors for STH infections were collected using a pretested questionnaire survey. Parasitological examinations of stool samples were performed using the formal-ether concentration method. Study participants aged 5 to 15 years were enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of STH infection was 21.5% (68/316). Ascaris lumbricoides ranked highest, with a prevalence of 11.4%, followed by hookworms 7.3%, Trichuris trichiura 1.9%, and Strongloides stercoralis 0.9%. Age groups of 10-15 years (AOR =3.109; 95% CI: 1.033, 9.350), residence in Kebele 2 (AOR =2.990; 95% CI: 1.082, 8.264), illiterate mothers (AOR =4.689; 95% CI: 1.410, 15.59), and a family size of 4-6 (AOR =3.286; 95% CI: 1.299, 8.313) were significantly associated with STH infections. The prevalence of STH infections remains an important health issue for study participants. Therefore, school deworming programs twice a year are crucially needed until the prevalence falls below the level of public health importance.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Schoolchildren around Lake Tana, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common neglected tropical diseases widely distributed in tropical countries with poor socioeconomic development. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm are the three major STHs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in selected primary schools around Lake Tana, Northwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2021 involving 337 study participants. A systematic random sampling method was utilized to select the study participants from the selected schools. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and risk factors for STH infections were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Stool samples were collected in sterile plastic containers from each participant and processed using Kato-Katz thick fecal smear and Ritchie's concentration techniques. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software tool version 23, and factors with a p < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of STH infection was 38.3% (95% CI: 33.1-43.7). Hookworm infection was the predominant STH infection, which was detected in 26.1% schoolchildren followed by A. lumbricoides (14.8%) and T. trichiura (1.5%). Most of the study subjects (34.1%) had single infections, whereas only 4.2% study subjects had multiple helminthic infections. Among the risk factors considered in the study, lack of shoe wearing habit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=29.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]=6.59-132.55; p < 0.001), lack of knowledge on the prevention and control methods (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI = 2.44-11.98; p < 0.001), engagement in irrigation activities (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.02-4.57, p = 0.049), lack of toilet (AOR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.31-7.16; p = 0.01), children grades of 5-8 (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.26-5.43; p = 0.01), playing on soils (AOR = 5.90; 95% CI = 2.79-12.49; p < 0.001), lack of fingernail trimming habit (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.57-6.55; p = 0.001), and male gender (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.19-4.39; p = 0.013) were significant explanatory factors for STH infection among schoolchildren in the study area.

Conclusions

The present study showed that STHs were common among schoolchildren around Lake Tana. Therefore, education on personal and environmental hygiene should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of STH infection in the study area.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Human Intestinal Helminths Parasitic Infections in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Intestinal helminth infections are still public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries including Ethiopia. This review and meta-analysis aimed to produce the pooled prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal helminth parasitic infections (HIHPIs) in Ethiopia.

Methods

Articles written in English were searched from online databases. Sixty-seven studies were included. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14.

Result

The pooled prevalence of HIHPIs was (33.35%, 95% CI: 28.85%, 37.86%). Ascaris lumbricoides (10.84%, 95% CI: 9.34, 12.34), hookworm spp. (8.89%, 95% CI: 7.75, 10.04), Schistosoma mansoni (4.22%, 95% CI: 3.64, 4.81), Trichuris trichiura (2.51%, 95% CI: 2.17, 2.86), Hymenolepis nana (2.29%, 95% CI: 1.96, 2.63), Taenia species (1.01%, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.22), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.17%, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.41), and Enterobius vermicularis(0.71%, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.90) were recorded. Handwashing before food (OR: 5.22,95% CI: 3.49, 6.94), handwashing after toilet (OR: 3.03, 95%; CI: 1.01, 5.05), age (OR: 1.66, 95% CL. 1.09, 2.23), open defecation (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.24), eating raw and unwashed vegetables/fruits (OR: 1.98, 95%; CI: 1.30, 2.66), maternal education (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.72), family income (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 0.87, 3.31), source of drinking water (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.27), swimming/contact with river water (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.69), barefoot (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.88), playing with soil (OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.88), and family size (OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.46) were factors associated with HIHPIs in Ethiopia. High heterogeneity of the prevalence of HIHPIs was observed among the studies within and among regions (I2 > 99.6% and P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

HIHPIs in Ethiopia were significantly high. Therefore, special attention should be given by all stakeholders to minimize HIHPIs in Ethiopia.

Soil Contamination and Infection of School Children by Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors at Kola Diba Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most prevalent parasitic worms infecting humans worldwide. They are still a major public health concern in the developing world, school-age children being the most affected segment of the population. Soil polluted with parasite ova and/or infective larvae is a source of human parasitic infections. There is a substantial shift in the notion of sanitation in many countries, and control of STHs contamination in the environment is becoming an emerging topic of research. However, data are scarce on the extent of soil contamination with STHs in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. Objective. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs in soil, and school children and associated factors at Kola Diba primary school, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at Kola Diba primary school. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants. About 150 soil samples were collected. A structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and the factors associated with STH infection. Two grams of stool specimen was processed using the Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed, and $P<0.05$ was considered statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 50.0% with Ascaris lumbricoides (26.2%), hookworm species (16.5%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.5%). The overall soil contamination rate was 13.3% with A. lumbricoides (9.3%) and T. trichiura (4.0%). No habit of handwashing after toilet (AOR; 2.2, 95%CI: 1.3–3.6, $P$ value = 0.002), no habit of regular shoe-wearing (AOR; 3.7, 95%CI: 2.1–6.2, $P$ value <0.001), untrimmed fingernail status (AOR; 4.3, 95%CI: 2.6–7.1, $P$ value <0.001), and playing with soil (AOR; 3.5, 95%CI: 2.2–5.7, $P$ value <0.001) were significantly associated with STHs infection. Conclusion. The prevalence of STHs remains high among primary school children, with a considerable soil contamination rate. No habit of handwashing after defecation, untrimmed fingernail status, and no habit of regular shoe-wearing and playing with soil were significantly associated with the STHs infections.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of comprehensive national data on prevalence, geographical distribution of different species, and temporal trends in soil-helminthiasis (STHs). Therefore, this study aimed to provide a summary and location of the available data on STHs infection among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The search was carried out in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on data published between 1997 to February 2020 for studies describing the rate of STHs infection among preschool and school-age in Ethiopian. We followed the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) approach to identify the studies. Meta-regression was performed to understand the trends and to summarize the prevalence using the "metaprop" command using STATA software version 14.0 RESULTS: A total of 29,311 of the 61,690 children examined during the period under review were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites yielding an overall prevalence of 48% (95% CI: 43-53%). The overall pooled estimate of STHs was 33% (95% CI: 28-38%). The prevalence was 44% (95% CI: 31-58%) in SNNPR, 34% (95% CI: 28-41%) in Amhara region, 31% (95% CI: 19-43%) in Oromia region and 10% (95% CI: 7-12%) in Tigray region. Soil-transmitted helminths infection rate has been decreasing from 44% (95% CI: 30-57%) pre-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) era (1997-2012) to 30% (95% CI: 25-34%) post-MDA (2013-2020), although statistically not significant (p = 0.45). A lumbricoides was the predominant species with a prevalence of 17%.

CONCLUSION

Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region, Amhara, and Oromia regions carry the highest-burden and are categorized to Moderate Risk Zones (MRZ) and therefore, requiring MDA once annually with Albendazole or Mebendazole. The prevalence of STHs decreased after MDA compared to before MDA, but the decline was not statistically significant. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species of STHs among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia. The high prevalence of STHs observed in this review, underscores the need for better control and prevention strategies in Ethiopia.

Prevalence, intensity and endemicity of intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis and its associated factors among school-aged children in Southern Ethiopia

Preventive chemotherapy (PC), the main strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH), should be strengthened through identification of the remaining SCH transmission foci and evaluating its impact to get a lesson. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of STH/SCH infections, the intensity of infections, and factors associated with STH infection among school-aged children (SAC) in Uba Debretsehay and Dara Mallo districts (previously not known to be endemic for SCH) in southern Ethiopia, October to December 2019. Structured interview questionnaire was used to collect household data, anthropometric measurements were taken and stool samples collected from 2079 children were diagnosed using the Kato-Katz technique. Generalize mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the association of STH infections with potential predictors. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in the Dara Mallo district was 34.3% (95%CI 30.9–37.9%). Light, moderate, and heavy S. mansoni infections were 15.2%, 10.9%, and 8.2% respectively. The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 33.2% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 31.1–35.3%. The intensity of infections was light (20.9%, 11.3% & 5.3%), moderate (1.1%, 0.1% & 0.4%) and heavy (0.3%, 0% & 0%) for hookworm, whipworm and roundworms respectively. The overall moderate-to-heavy intensity of infection among the total diagnosed children was 2% (41/2079). STH infection was higher among male SAC with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 1.7 (95%CI 1.4–2.1); occupation of the household head other than farmer or housewife (AOR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3–0.8), middle [AOR = 1.1; 95%CI 1.0–1.3] or high [AOR = 0.7; 95%CI 0.5–0.9] socioeconomic status. Dara Mallo district was moderate endemic for S. mansoni; and it needs sub-district level mapping and initiating a deworming campaign. Both districts remained moderate endemic for STH. Evidence-based strategies supplementing existing interventions with the main focus of the identified factors is important to realize the set targets.

Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthiasis among school-age children in wetland and non-wetland areas of Blue Nile Basins, northwest Ethiopia: A community-based comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Different interventions have been done to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). The available evidences in Ethiopia in either school or community-based school-aged children (SAC) have limitation in wetland areas. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of STH infection among SAC in wetland and non-wetland areas of Blue Nile Basins, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHOD

A community-based comparative study was conducted from October to November, 2019. Multistage stratified random sampling technique used to select 716 SAC. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Stool samples were collected from children using tight-fitting plastic cups following the standard procedures. Data were coded and entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 20 software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with STH.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of STH was 30.30% (95% CI: 26.90, 33.90) and did not show significant variation between wetland (33.60% (95% CI: 28.80, 39.60%)) and non-wetland (27.0% (95% CI: (21.90, 31.60)) areas. Presence of human feces near the house and certain habits such as nail trimming and playing with mud/soil was not different between wetland and non-wetlands. Nonetheless, the presence of human feces near the house of respondents was found to be significantly associated with STH infection (p value < 0.001). Moreover, other factors significantly associated with STH infection were lack of nail trimming (p value < 0.001) and playing with mud/soil (p value < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of STH was high and did not show significant variation between the two areas. Emphasis needs to be given for hygiene and lifestyle-related factors.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections in Ethiopia

Background

Tapeworm infections are among the tropical neglected parasitic diseases endemically occurring in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims at estimating the pooled prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections in humans and animals from reports from Ethiopia.

Methods

The systematic search was conducted in four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Africa Journal Online and Science Direct). Additional data were retrieved from grey literature. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were considered for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using MetaXL add-in for Microsoft Excel. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were evaluated using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics, respectively.

Results

The study provides a country-based database of Taenia and Echinococcus infections consisting of 311 datasets from 201 publications which were mostly abattoir surveys; of these, 251 datasets were subjected to meta-analysis. Most of the studies were from Oromia (32.8%) followed by Amhara (22.9%) regional states. The pooled prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in intermediate and accidental hosts was calculated as 22% (95% CI 18–26%) and high study variability (Q = 24,420.65, I² = 100%, P = 0.000). Moreover, a pooled prevalence of Echinococcus infections in final hosts was calculated as 33% (95% CI 20–48%) and low study variability (Q = 17.24, I² = 65%, P = 0.001). Similarly, study subjects (human, cattle, sheep, goat and wolf) were infected by Taenia spp. with pooled prevalence of 3% (95% CI 2–4%) and moderate study variability (Q = 279.07, I² = 89, P = 0.000). Meanwhile, the pooled prevalence of Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis and T. multiceps infections in intermediate hosts were calculated as 38%, 14% and 5%, respectively. The random effect meta-analysis of bovine cysticercosis showed a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI 5–9%) and high study variability was of (Q = 4458.76; I² = 99%, P = 0.000). Significant differences in prevalence of Taenia and Echinococcus infections between study sites or different livestock origins have been reported.

Conclusion

The study evidenced a comprehensive dataset on the prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections at different interfaces by regions and hosts and hence can aid in the design of more effective control strategies.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04925-w.

Keys to Unlock the Enigma of Ocular Toxocariasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of Toxocara canis and T. cati. The current review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of OT.Methods: Five English (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) databases were explored and 101 articles met the inclusion criteria.Results: The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of OT was higher in immunological studies (9%. 6-12%) than in studies that applied ophthalmic examination (1%. 1-2%). The lower middle-income level countries had the highest prevalence (6%. 2-12%) as well as the African region (10%. 7-13%). The highest infection rate (4%. 2-7%) was detected in the 1-25 mean age group.Conclusion: Regular anthelminthic treatment of cats and dogs, and removal of animal feces from public places must be considered.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection Among School-Aged Children of Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are still major health problems in resource-poor countries. Despite several epidemiological studies were available in Ethiopia, summarized data on the prevalence of STH among school-aged children (SAC) is lacking in the country.

Objective:

This study was aimed to summarize the existing published studies of STH among SAC children in Ethiopia.

Methods:

The search was carried out in open access databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed Central which reported STH in Ethiopia. Open access articles published between 2000 and 2019 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence was determined using a random-effect model while heterogeneities between studies were evaluated by I² test.

Results:

A total of 46 338 children (Male = 23 374 and Female = 22 964) were included in the 70 eligible studies for this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of STH among SAC was 33.4%; 95% CI, 29.3% to 37.7% in Ethiopia. Ascaris lumbricoides (19.9%; 95% CI, 17.2%-22.6%) was the most prevalent STH followed by Trichuris trichiura (12.4%; 95% CI, 10.6%-14.1%), and hookworm (7.9%; 95% CI, 6.9%-8.9%) infection in the country. High prevalence of STH was observed in Oromia (42.5%; 95% CI, 31.6%-53.4%) followed by SNNPR (38.3%; 95% CI, 27.7%-48.8%) and Amhara (32.9%; 95% CI, 27.0%-38.8%) regional states. High heterogeneity on the prevalence of STH was observed across studies within and among regions (I² > 96% and P < .001).

Conclusion:

This review showed that more than one-third of the Ethiopian SAC were infected with STH. The high prevalence of STH observed in this review highlight the needs of improved control and prevention strategies in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and Determinants of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among School Children at Goro Primary School, South West Shewa, Ethiopia

Background

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH)/geohelminths are human parasitic nematodes which need soil contact for their egg development and become infectious. It is widely prevalent in developing countries. In Ethiopia, too, the same problem exists although the prevalence varies from place to place depending on the presence of risk factors and hygienic status of the community. Therefore, the current study is designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of STH among school children at Goro Primary School of Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was employed from April to June 2019. The stool samples were collected in prelabeled, clean, and leak-proof stool cups and examined immediately. Direct wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques were utilized to detect the STHs in a stool sample collected from all study subjects. A total of 387 stool samples were analyzed. Moreover, community- and individual-level risk factors associated with STH infection were assessed using semistructured questionnaire.

Results

The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections observed at the study area was 15.8% (n = 61/387). Among these, the most abundant STH parasite was hookworms (n = 39/61, 63.93%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 22/61, 36.06%). Factors independently associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections were children from illiterate mother (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.8, P = 0.021), lack of habit of wearing shoes (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.0-8.5, P < 0.001), lack of frequent handwashing practice before meal (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.5, P = 0.019), use of unprotected drinking water (AOR = 39, CI:3.9-393, P = 0.002), and presence of dirt in their fingernails (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

STH infection observed in the study area could be classified into the low-risk area group (according to the World Health Organization classification) calling for none or case-by-case treatment. Thus, enhancing awareness of the community in the study area on how to keep personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is quite important to keep the burden to a controllable level, besides implementation of regular deworming program in the locality.