Childhood intestinal parasitic infection and sanitation predictors in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia

Zemichael Gizaw,Ayenew Addisu,Tsegaye Adane,Daniel Haile,Jember Azanaw

doi:10.1186/s12199-018-0714-3

Zemichael Gizaw, Ayenew Addisu + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-018-0714-3

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Abstract

BackgroundIntestinal parasites are a common problem in the world. The greater proportion of infections is associated with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This study was conducted to assess intestinal parasites, WASH condition, and their association in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed. Two hundred twenty-five children aged 6–59 months were included. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the living environment was observed using checklists. Kato-Katz technique was used to determine the intensity of parasitic infections. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was used as a biological indicator for drinking water quality. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify WASH predictors of parasites on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.8% (95% CI = 20.3–32.0%). Ascaris lumbricoides (78%), hookworm (12%), Hymenolepis nana (7%), Enterobius vermicularis (5%), Schistosoma mansoni (3%), Giardia lamblia (3%), and Trichuris trichiuria (2%) were identified infections. Intestinal parasites were associated with poor child hand washing practice [AOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.53, 9.75], unprotected water sources [AOR = 7.79, 95% CI = 3.30, 18.40], access to water below 20 l/c/d [AOR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.28, 7.23], poor food safety[AOR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.62, 11.58], and poor sanitation [AOR = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.56, 16.16].ConclusionA. lumbricoides, hookworm, H. nana, E. vermicularis, S. mansoni, G. lamblia, and T. trichiuria were identified. Child hand washing practice, service level of water supply, water sources, food safety, and sanitation were associated with intestinal parasites. WASH promotion is needed to prevent infections.

Highlights

Intestinal parasites are a common problem in the world
In Ethiopia and other low-income countries including those in sub-Saharan Africa, the population suffers from a huge burden of potentially preventable diseases such as intestinal parasitic infections [6]
Socio-demographic information of children and mothers In this study, a total of 225 children participated with 100% response rate

Summary

Introduction

Intestinal parasites are a common problem in the world. The greater proportion of infections is associated with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries causing under nutrition, anemia, intestinal obstruction, and mental and physical growth retardation [1]. About 3.5 billion people (the majority of these cases were children) in the world were infected with intestinal parasites caused by helminths and protozoa. Intestinal parasitic infections are still major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. In sub-Saharan African countries, millions of people are infected with at least one intestinal parasitic infection. In Ethiopia and other low-income countries including those in sub-Saharan Africa, the population suffers from a huge burden of potentially preventable diseases such as intestinal parasitic infections [6]. The global estimate during 2005 showed that 4882 school-aged children were infected with hookworm, 1956 with A. lumbricoides, 1983 with T. trichiura, and 7357 with other STH species [7]

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