Prevalence of intestinal parasites using formal-ether concentration technique and its associated factors among school children at Dawudo primary school, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: intestinal parasitic infections are global public health problems. It causes clinical morbidity and mortality largely in developing countries. About 25% of the world´s population are chronically infected with intestinal parasites and 1.5 to 2.7 million deaths annually. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among Dawudo elementary school children. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted at Dawudo elementary school children from March to April 2017 from 236 study participants. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Sociodemographic data and associated factors were collected by face-to-face interview. A stool specimen was collected and examined using both wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. Data analyses were done by using SPSS version 16 software. Binary logistic regression was done to assess the strength of association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant association. Results: the overall prevalence of intestinal parasite was 66.5% (95% CI: 60.4%, 72.6%). The prevalence of single, double, and triple parasites was 84.1%, 13.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common 56.8%, followed by E. histolytica/dispar 9.7%. Open field defecation, untrimmed finger, and eating of uncooked vegetables were statistically significantly with intestinal parasites. Conclusion: intestinal parasitic infections in the study area were highly prevalent and a major public health problem. Therefore, an intervention strategy that focuses on periodic deworming and health education should be designed and implemented in the area to reduce the prevalence.