Abstract
Introduction Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, and the majority of them are children. A perusal of the literature indicates that in Ethiopia, nearly one-third of schoolchildren are found to be infected by some sort of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Rama town in Northern Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children from two schools in Rama town during June 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to identify environmental, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors while stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct wet smear with saline preparation. Data analysis was completed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 24 statistical software. Results A total of 312 school children with a mean age of 11.3 years were included. Among them, 24.4% (76) were found to be positive for at least one of the parasites. The overall infection rate was the highest among the 10–14 age groups (26.7%). Females were predominantly infected (26.7%). Altogether, eight species of intestinal parasites were identified. The most predominant protozoan and helminths were E. histolytica/dispar (10.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (7.4%), respectively, and infections were mostly mono-parasitic. Coinfections with two and three intestinal parasites were identified among 13 (4.2%, [13/302]) and 2 (0.6%, [2/302]) cases, respectively. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher among children who did not wash their hands regularly before meals (AOR: 2.30, CI: 1.32, 4.0, p < 0.001) and those who frequently swam in streams (AOR: 3.12, CI: 1.07, 9.08, p < 0.021). Conclusions The study revealed a high prevalence of parasitic infection and inadequate personal hygiene practices like poor handwashing and also the habit of swimming by schoolchildren in contaminated water bodies, especially the study area. To minimize the burden caused by parasitic infection, periodic deworming programs and health education should be provided to enhance the awareness of concerned participants are also warranted.
Highlights
Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, and the majority of them are children
Intestinal parasites are endemic in several parts of Ethiopia and are an important public health problem
Intestinal parasites are endemic in several parts of Ethiopia, and the prevalence and distribution of various species of these parasites differ from region to region and from time to time
Summary
About 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, and the majority of them are children. Is study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Rama town in Northern Ethiopia. There is a consensus that diseases caused by intestinal parasites represent an important public health problem, especially in children [2]. Intestinal parasites are associated with malnutrition, growth retardation, and physical weakness, which results in poor performance of school. Entamoeba histolytica infects 500 million individuals per year, causing disease in 50 million and resulting in 100,000 deaths [7]. Giardia intestinalis, a frequent causative agent of diarrhea, can result in malabsorption in children and even retarded growth. Giardia intestinalis, a frequent causative agent of diarrhea, can result in malabsorption in children and even retarded growth. is approximately affects a population of 200 million worldwide [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
