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Gebru H, Deyissia N, Medhin G, Kloos H. The Association of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices With Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Under-14 Children in Rural Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231180801. [PMID: 37362236 PMCID: PMC10286215 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231180801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected tropical diseases. Sanitation and hygiene are vital components for achieving sustainable control of intestinal parasitic infections. Children are the most vulnerable to intestinal parasitic infections because of their immature immune systems and frequent exposure to unsanitary environments. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of IPIs and associated risk factors, including sanitation and hygiene practices, among under-14-year-old children in rural Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. Methods This community-based cross-sectional 'study included 778 subjects aged 1 to 14 years. Data were collected using questionnaires and stool examinations. The direct wet-mount method and formol-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify IPIs. Data Analysis: A descriptive statistic was used to show the prevalence of IPIs. Bi-variable and multivariable analysis using the logistic regression model was carried out. Results The outputs are presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of 5 intestinal parasites was 33.7% (95% CI = 30.4%-37%). Giardia intestinalis (15.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (11.6%) had the highest prevalence. The odds of IPIs among children of illiterate mothers were 13.1 times higher when compared with children of mothers with secondary education (aOR = 13.1, P = .02), and the odds of IPIs among children from households that have unclean latrines were 1.8 times higher when compared with children from households that have clean latrines. (aOR = 1.8, P = .03). Children from households that discard solid waste in open fields had 1.7 times higher odds of having a positive result than children from households that burn their waste (aOR = 1.7, P = .03). However, children without a swimming habit (aOR = 0.4, P = .000) and asymptomatic children (aOR = 0.3, P = .000) were protective against IPIs. Conclusions IPIs continue to be a public health problem in rural parts of Dire Dawa. The prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and H. nana could be of public health importance in this setting. Solid waste management, latrine cleanliness, mothers' level of education, and child swimming habits in unclean accumulated water were significantly associated with IPIs. Therefore, efforts should be made to ensure intervention, considering such risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heroda Gebru
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyissia
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
| | - Helmut Kloos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Debash H, Alemu M, Bisetegn H. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition and their associated risk factors among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1137. [PMID: 36860204 PMCID: PMC9969049 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition are among the most serious health issues affecting school-aged children. They have synergetic consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition, and their associated risk factors among school-age children. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia. Households were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Risk factor variables were collected using pretested questionnaires. Stool samples were collected from study participants and examined using a wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified acid-fast techniques. The height and weight of children were also measured using a meter and a standard calibrated balance, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 statistical software. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-age children was 44.3% (178/402). About seven species of intestinal parasites were identified. The predominant parasite identified was E. histolytica/dispar (11.2%), followed by H. nana (9.2%) and G. lamblia (6.7%). The well as a source of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.38-14.36), habit of open-field defecation (AOR = 7.02; 95% CI: 13.05-12.06), and being undernourished (AOR = 5.67; 95% CI: 2.98-10.79) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infections. On the other hand, the overall prevalence of undernutrition was 46.3%. Undernutrition was significantly more likely in children with a dietary diversity score (DDS) of 3 (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 2.37-5.88), meal frequency of no more than three times per day (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.71-2.98), intestinal parasite infection (AOR = 5.25, 95% CI: 3.24-8.52), and no access to school-based feeding (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.17-7.96). Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition was high among school-age children in Sekota Town. The results imply the need for strengthening integrated strategies for the reduction of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habtu Debash
- Deparment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health SciencesWollo UniversityDessieEthiopia
| | - Megbaru Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health SciencesBahirdar UniversityBahirdarEthiopia
| | - Habtye Bisetegn
- Deparment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health SciencesWollo UniversityDessieEthiopia
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Getnet T, Alemayehu T, Demeke T, Toru M, Aschale Y. Assessment of prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221128134. [PMID: 36212233 PMCID: PMC9536104 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221128134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amber Primary School from December 2019 to January 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics. Direct wet mount technique was applied for detection and identification of intestinal parasites. RESULT A total of 384 participants were included in this study of which 50.3% were males and 65.4% were in the age group 9-12 years. The prevalence of at least one intestinal parasite was 26.8% (n = 103), of which 13.6% (n = 14) were mixed infections. Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (5.2%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.9%) and hookworm (4.7%). Male children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.624; 95% confidence interval: 0.392-0.993) and those whose mother completed elementary school (adjusted odds ratio = 2.171; 95% confidence interval: 1.012-4.658) were significantly associated with intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Intestinal parasitic infections remained an important health problem among school children in the study area. Appropriate intervention measures should be taken to reduce the burden and related morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yibeltal Aschale
- Yibeltal Aschale, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Kebele 06, Debre Markos, Amhara 1000, Ethiopia.
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Al-Fakih AA, Al-wrafi EA, Al-motawkil AAHAAJ, Shabalah AZA, Aqeel AF, Mahdi MA, Al-hubaishi HA, Marsh YM, Joyer BH, Al-shoga’a GH. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Schoolchildren in Ibb Governorate, Southwest Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2022; 13:325-333. [PMID: 36164500 PMCID: PMC9507973 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s374475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkawi Ali Al-Fakih
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
- Correspondence: Abdulkawi Ali Al-Fakih, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen, Tel +967 771950569, Fax +967 04413766, Email
| | - Essam Ali Al-wrafi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | | | - Al-zahra Ali Shabalah
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Asma Faisal Aqeel
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Mohammed Abdallah Mahdi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | | | - Yahya Mansour Marsh
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Bothina Hassan Joyer
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Ghada Hossain Al-shoga’a
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Aljazeera University, Ibb, Yemen
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Hajissa K, Islam MA, Sanyang AM, Mohamed Z. Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among school children in africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009971. [PMID: 35148325 PMCID: PMC8870593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission and children are the primary victims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the objective of assessing the prevalence of IPPs among school children in Africa. Methods Relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified by systematic online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases without language restriction. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of studies were assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test. Results Of the 1,645 articles identified through our searches, 46 cross-sectional studies matched our inclusion criteria, reported data from 29,968 school children of Africa. The pooled prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites amongst African school children was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.2%-30.3%) with E. histolytica/ dispar (13.3%; 95% CI: 10.9%-15.9%) and Giardia spp. (12%; 95% CI: 9.8%-14.3%) were the most predominant pathogenic parasites amongst the study participants. While E. coli was the most common non-pathogenic protozoa (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.9%-23.2%). Conclusions This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IPPs in school children, especially in northern and western Africa. Thus, poverty reduction, improvement of sanitation and hygiene and attention to preventive control measures will be the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission. Pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a major public health concern. Studies have documented that, the prevalence rates of protozoan infections are quite high in developing regions, particularly Africa and children are the primary victims. Despite numerous studies have been conducted on IPPs in school children in African countries, data on the burden of these infections in African school children have not yet been synthesised. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide continent-wide prevalence of IPPs amongst African school children. Our study found that about 25.8% of the children had one or more species of intestinal protozoan parasites in their faecal specimens. E. histolytica/ dispar and Giardia spp. were the most predominant parasites amongst the study participants. The relatively high prevalence estimate of IPPs amongst African children and the considerable variation in the disease prevalence over the years, between and within countries and regions clearly indicates the needs to improve sanitation and hygiene, paying more attention to preventive control measures as well as poverty reduction which are the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Abdoulie M. Sanyang
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Ahmed HM, Abu-Sheishaa GA. Intestinal parasitic infection among school children in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt: a cross-sectional study. EGYPTIAN PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION GAZETTE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43054-021-00093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Intestinal parasitic infections are still representing a significant health problem in developing countries including Egypt. School children are highly vulnerable to this type of infection, and they suffered many health consequences. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among school children and its related factors.
Results
This is a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on 726 school children selected from primary, preparatory, and secondary schools located at Aga district, Dakahlia governorate. A questionnaire sheet including data on the socio-demographic characters of students and their families, environmental and behavioral variables, and gastro-intestinal symptoms was filled. Also, fresh stool samples were collected from each child for microscopic examination to detect eggs, cysts, and trophozoites of intestinal parasites. There were 239 of 726 children with IPIs representing an overall prevalence of 32.9%. The most prevalent parasitic species were E. histolytica (12.3%), G. lamblia (8.5%), H. nana (7.7%), and A. lumbricoides (5.7%). There were significant differences between infected and non-infected children regarding age, educational stage, residence, monthly family income, and maternal education levels. Also, there were highly significant differences between infected and non-infected children regarding all environmental and behavioral variables and the occurrence of GIT symptoms.
Conclusion
High prevalence of IPIs among school children indicates little personal hygiene and poor environmental sanitation. Much more efforts are needed for the application of proper prevention and control strategy.
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Li J, Cui Z, Li X, Zhang L. Review of zoonotic amebiasis: Epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:174-181. [PMID: 33676155 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which mainly shows symptoms of acute diarrhea, dysentery, amebic colitis, and amebic liver abscesses. As the fourth leading parasitic cause of human mortality, E. histolytica mainly infect children in developing countries, transmitted by food and water contamination. In the majority of infected individuals, Entamoeba sp. asymptomatically colonizes the large intestine and self-limiting, while in others, the parasite breaches the mucosal epithelial barrier to cause amebic colitis and can disseminate to soft organs to cause abscesses. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the recommended and most widely used drug for treating the invasive amebiasis. No amebiasis vaccine has been approved for human clinical trials to date, but many recent vaccine development studies hold promise. For the prevention and control of amebiasis, improvement of water purification systems and hygiene practices could decrease disease incidence. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology, transmission, clinical signs, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of the zoonotic amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhaohui Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Bayleyegn B, Woldu B, Yalew A, Kasew D, Asrie F. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Factors Among HAART Initiated Children Attending at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2021; 13:81-90. [PMID: 33531842 PMCID: PMC7846865 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s287659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and intestinal parasites co-infections are the most common causes of clinical illness and death, especially for children living in resource constrained setting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites among highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) initiated children. METHODS Cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 HAART initiated HIV-infected children at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January to April 2020. Socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire via a face-to-face interview. Clinical data of the children were collected by reviewing the medical records. Venous blood was collected for complete blood counts, viral load determination, and blood film examination. Flotation concentration technique was done in addition to direct wet mount for parasitological examination. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analysis were used to check the presence of significant association, and P-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection (IPI) among the study participants was 22.4% (95% CI=17-28%). The presence of opportunistic infection (AOR=2.09 95% CI=1.81-5.43), no eating under-cooked animal products (AOR=0.38 95% CI=0.16-0.94), male sex (AOR=0.45 95% CI=0.22-0.90), viral load rate >1,000 copies/mL (AOR=1.80 95% CI=1.67-4.19), and cytopenia (AOR=2.71 95% CI=1.59-12.25) showed significant association with the prevalence of IPI. CONCLUSION Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent intestinal parasites among HAART initiated children. Among HAART initiated children, IPI were associated with gender, cytopenia, viral load, undercooked animal products, and the presence of opportunistic infections. Therefore, health education, prompt treatment, and regular deworming should be implemented to alleviate the burden of intestinal parasites in HIV-infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruk Bayleyegn
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Woldu
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Aregawi Yalew
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desie Kasew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fikir Asrie
- Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Aschale A, Adane M, Getachew M, Faris K, Gebretsadik D, Sisay T, Dewau R, Chanie MG, Muche A, Zerga AA, Lingerew M, Gebrehiwot M, Berhanu L, Ademas A, Abebe M, Ketema G, Yirsaw M, Bogale K, Ayele FY, Melaku MS, Amsalu ET, Bitew G, Keleb A, Berihun G, Natnael T, Hassen S, Yenuss M, Dagne M, Feleke A, Kloos H. Water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among primary school children in Dessie City, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245463. [PMID: 33534792 PMCID: PMC7857601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitosis is a major public health problem that affects the health of primary school children in low- and middle-income countries where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are deficient. Since there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and associated factors of this problem among primary school children in Dessie City in Ethiopia, this study was designed to address these gaps. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 stratified-sampled primary school children in five primary schools at Dessie City from April to June 2018. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and laboratory analysis of stool samples. Stool specimen from each study participant was collected using clean, properly labeled and leak-proof stool cup. A portion of stool from each study participant collected sample was processed using saline wet mount technique and examined by microscope. The remaining specimens were preserved with 10% formalin and transported to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital laboratory to be processed by using formol-ether concentration technique. Then, slide smears were prepared from each processed stool specimen and finally, it was microscopically examined with 10x as well as 40x objectives for the presence or absence of intestinal parasites. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis were determined using binary logistic regression model at 95% CI (confidence interval). Thus, bivariate (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) logistic regression analyses were carried out. From the multivariable analysis, variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children. MAIN FINDINGS The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.0% (95% CI: 12.5-19.4%), of these, 50.8% were positive for protozoa, 32.2% for helminth infections and 16.9% for double co-infections. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite (29.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (21.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), Hymenolepis nana (9.2%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.6%). Prevalence rates were similar among government (16.3%) and private (15.7%) school children. Water consumption was less than 5 liters per capita per day in 4 of the 5 schools. Thirty-eight (9.3%) of primary school students reported that they practiced open defecation. About two-thirds (285, 70.0%) said they always washed their hands after defecation. Mother's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.20-9.37), father's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.40-10.82), fathers who could read and write (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.25-7.86), handwashing before meal (sometimes) (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.11-4.17) and poor knowledge of WASH (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: 2.17-16.70) were statistically associated with presence of intestinal parasitic infections. CONCLUSION We concluded that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the study area among Grades 4-8 primary school children had public health significance. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children's were illiterate mothers and fathers, irregular handwashing of children before meals, and poor knowledge of WASH. Health education to improve students' WASH knowledge and mass deworming for parasites are recommended as preventive measures; and improvements to the quality of WASH facilities in primary schools are strongly recommended to support these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awoke Aschale
- Hygiene and Environmental Health/Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Metadel Adane
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Getachew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Faris
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Gebretsadik
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Sisay
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Reta Dewau
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Genetu Chanie
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Aregash Abebayehu Zerga
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mistir Lingerew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Leykun Berhanu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Ayechew Ademas
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Masresha Abebe
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gebremariam Ketema
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistie Yirsaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Bogale
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Fanos Yeshanew Ayele
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mequannent Sharew Melaku
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Erkihun Tadesse Amsalu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gedamnesh Bitew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Awoke Keleb
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gete Berihun
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tarikuwa Natnael
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Seada Hassen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Yenuss
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mengesha Dagne
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Alelgne Feleke
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Helmut Kloos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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