Prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasitic infections among children under five years attending Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health issue, especially among young children in developing countries, and they contribute to illness and death. Factors such as poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water worsen the spread of these infections. This study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites (IPs) and identify related risk factors among children under five years old at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) in Southern Ethiopia, addressing an important gap in current research. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024, involving 315 children aged 5 years and/or younger. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other relevant information from the parents or guardians of each child. Fresh stool samples were collected, transported, and examined microscopically using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration methods. Data entry was performed with EpiData version 4.6, and analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between independent and dependent variables, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study showed a significant prevalence of IPIs at 29.8%. The most common parasite identified was Giardia lamblia (39 cases, 41.5%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar (25 cases, 26.6%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (18 cases, 19.1%). Factors significantly linked to a higher risk of infection included mothers or guardians unaware of transmission methods (AOR = 3.358, 95% CI: 1.734–7.799), children living in rural areas (AOR = 2.011, 95% CI: 1.127–3.589), and children who regularly ate unwashed vegetables (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.301–7.448). Conclusion and recommendations: This study highlighted the significant prevalence of IPs in the area. As a result, it is essential to enhance health education and increase awareness among mothers and caregivers about the transmission of IPs and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene to prevent infections in children.