The prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections and associated risk factors among school children in Babile town, eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: The effective prevention and control of intestinal helminthic infections requires the identification of local risk factors, particularly among high-risk groups. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal helminthic infections among school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study, involving 415 schoolchildren, techniques was conducted between May and June of 2001. Interviews, observation, and anthropometric indices assessment were used to identify the risk factors. Stool specimens were examined using the formal ether concentration technique. Data were analysed done using the SPSS statistical software. Results: Nine species of intestinal helminths were identified with an overall prevalence of 27.2% (113 of 415 children). The predominant parasites involved were Hymenolepis nana 42 (10.1%) and hookworm 28 (6.7%). In this study, the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was determined to be 4.3%, which contrasts with the prevalence of 43% reported previously for schoolchildren in Babile town. Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections was not related to the availability, type and usage of latrines (p>0.05). A higher prevalence of H. nana was found among children with poor personal hygiene (p<0.05). Prevalence of hookworm infection rate was significantly lower in children who wore shoes regularly (p<0.05). It seems that children who eat food items sold on the street had a higher prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections than those who didn’t (p=0.05). Children with stunted growth had higher infection rate of with H. nana than children who are properly nourished (p<0.05). Conclusion: Intervention programs should emphasise proper personal and environmental hygiene practices. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2005;19(2):140-147]