INTESTINAL PARASITISM AMONG JIREN ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOUTH-WESTERN ETmOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A cross-sectional survey on intestinal parasites was conducted in Jiren Elementary & Junior Secondary School, Jirnrna. A total of 301 stool specimens were collected by systematic random sampling from a total of 1626 population. The stools were examined for ova and parasites by direct saline suspension (wet mount) method. The result showed high prevalence rate of parasitic infection (68.4%). A total of 10 species were identified among which Ascaris lumbricoides was the leading (52.2%) followed by Triclluris trichiura (18.6%), while Schistosoma mansoni was the least (0.3 % ) .No statistically significant difference was seen in the prevalence rate of intestinal parasites by sex, (p>0.01). However, there is significant association between water source for drinking and parasitoses, (p < 0.01), where, unprotected source of water favouring infection of all infected. Most of the infected children (92.2%) were asymptomatic. It is suggested that affective PHC strategies, such as health education in schools, expansion of school health services and chemotherapy with broad spectrum anti- helrninthics should be (implimented). [Ethiop. i. Health Dev. 1994;8(1):37-41]