scholarly journals Human Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Elementary School Children in Merawi Town, Northwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Destaw Damtie ◽  
Baye Sitotaw ◽  
Sissay Menkir ◽  
Bizuayehu Kerisew ◽  
Kedir Hussien

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection is still common in Ethiopia. Periodic evaluation of the current status of human intestinal parasitic infections (HIPIs) is a prerequisite to controlling these health threats. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinant factors of HIPIs among elementary school-age children in Merawi town. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study design was used among 403 children. The direct wet mount method was used to diagnose the stool samples. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents were collected using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results. Out of the 403 students, the overall prevalence of HIPIs was 173 (42.9%). The magnitudes of single and double infections were 39.7% and 3.2%, respectively. Seventy-two (17.9%) were positive for Entamoeba histolytica, 63 (15.4%) for Giardia lamblia, 28 (9.6%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 22 (6.9%) for hookworm, and 1 (0.2%) for Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in the age group of 6–11 years compared to other age groups. The following were the risk factors associated with HIPIs: groups aging 6 to 11 ( AOR = 9.581 ; 95% CI: 0.531-17.498; P = 0.008 ), aging 12 to 18 ( AOR = 3.047 ; 95% CI: 0.055-1.828; P = 0.008 ), not washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 3.683 ; 95% CI; 1.577-8.598; P = 0.003 ), not regularly washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 2.417 ; 95% CI; 1.224-4.774; P = 0.003 ), dirty fingernails ( AOR = 2.639 ; 95% CI: 1.388-5.020; P = 0.003 ), not wearing shoes ( AOR = 2.779 ; 95% CI: 1.267-6.096; P = 0.011 ), rural residence ( AOR = 6.6 ; 95% CI; 0.06-0.351; P < 0.0001 ), and a family size greater than or equal to five ( AOR = 2.160 ; 95% CI: 1.179-3.956; P = 0.013 ). Conclusion. The prevalence of HIPIs among elementary school children in Merawi town was very high. Thus, there is a need for intensive health education for behavioral changes related to personal hygiene and mass treatment for effective control of HIPIs in the study area.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kefale Shiferaw ◽  
Teklemichael Tesfay ◽  
Girmay Kalayu ◽  
Gebrehiwot Kiros

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in grade school children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia. Five species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 155 (40.4%). Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides 122 (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica 18 (4.7%) were predominant. Of the total 155 (40.4%) positive individuals, 149 (39%) had a single infection and the rest 6 (1.6%) had double parasitic infections. Of the different variables assessed, age, gender, shoe wearing, and eating raw or undercooked vegetables were not significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites ( P > 0.05 ). However, a statistically significant association ( P < 0.05 ) was observed between infected children and variables including defecation habit (AOR = 0.216), cleanliness of fingernails (AOR = 0.146), drinking river water (AOR = 0.124), and hand washing habit after defecation (AOR = 0.236) ( P < 0.05 ). Regular deworming, education on personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to both students and their parents shall be implemented to reduce the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections in the study area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-146
Author(s):  
Baye Sitotaw ◽  
Yezina Gebeyaw ◽  
Haile Mekonnen

The burden of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) has been a common problem on children in Ethiopia. While communities in Bure town, northwest Ethiopia, are presumed to be exposed to IPIs, no study has been conducted before. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among school children in Bure town by conducting a cross-sectional study from January to June 2019. A total of 430 students were selected using stratified systematic random sampling technique. Direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques were used for parasitological analysis from stool samples taken from each student. Information about the risk factors was collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. The overall prevalence of IPIs among the children involved in the study was found to be 40% (172/430). Some 37.7% of the students exhibited single parasite infection, 2.1% double and 0.23% triple parasite. Seven species of intestinal parasites were detected, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (22.1%) followed by Giardia lamblia (8.6%), hookworms (6.75%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.7%). Hymenolepis nana, Trichuris trichuira and Taenia species were rare  (<1% prevalence each). Knowledge about personal and food hygiene as well as environmental sanitation were the most important predictors for IPIs (P<0.05). Primary school children in Bure town are at high risk of IPIs. Awareness creation on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is strongly recommended. Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections; Prevalence; Primary school children; Risk factor; Bure town


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽  
Maryam Barkhori Mehni ◽  
Mostafa Rezaeian ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Vali Baigi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.Methods In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. , Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar , Iodamoeba bütschlii , Chilomastix mesnili , Entamoeba hartmanni , Ascaris lambercoides , and Enterobius vermicularis were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumia Sebaa ◽  
Jerzy M. Behnke ◽  
Djamel Baroudi ◽  
Ahcene Hakem ◽  
Marawan Abu-Madi

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are amongst the most common infections worldwide and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations. This community based study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism and to identify the key risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in Laghouat province, south Algeria.Methods: Stool samples were collected from 2277 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients aged 1-89 years old. Structured questionnaire were used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection. Results: More than 33% of participants were found to be infected for at least one protozoan and/or helminth parasite. Of these, the most common parasites were Blastocystis spp. (17.79%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.78%), Giardia intestinalis (4.22%), Entamoeba coli (4.08%) and more rarely Endolimax nana, Cryptosporidium spp, Trichomonas intestinalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia spp., and a single case of Trichuris trichiura. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence and species richness of combined protozoan parasites and contact with animal, living in rural areas and relying primarily on tap water, particularly in young individuals. Analysis of temporal consistency showed a high rate of infection in rural locations in the spring of 2018 and a firm relationship between school children and tap water was also detected. Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Laghouat population, with identification of several risk factors indicates that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Therefore, several strategies are recommended in order to effectively reduce these infections including good animal husbandry practices, health education focused on good personal hygiene practices especially for school children, availability of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
Hassan Rezanezhad ◽  
Mohammad Reza Shokouh ◽  
Enayatollah Shadmand ◽  
Nooshin Mohammadinezhad ◽  
Zahra Mokhtarian ◽  
...  

Background: Parasitic infections, especially intestinal agents could affect social and personal hygiene and health; and to avoid the spread of pollution, monitoring the infectious sources is critical. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences between 2013-1014. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out between September 2013and February 2014. A total number of 1293 stool samples were taken from 431 students and were examined by direct wet mounting and formalin-ether methods. A questionnaire for common risk factors was completed for each individual. Results: Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was estimated to be 125 (29%) that infected by pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites. Various species of protozoan infections were detected: Entamoeba coli was the most common parasite (9.04%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (8.12%), and Giardia lamblia (4.64%). About 3.2% students were infected with multiple parasites. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections with the type of accommodation (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9), parents’ educational level (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9) and gender (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9). No age association was detected, and a slightly positive prevalence with increasing age was observed (p=0.66). Conclusions: These data showed intestinal parasites were slightly more prevalent than expected, that might be due to interior sources of infection in college, such as carrier students. Hence, performing periodic monitoring among students is a necessity to promote the hygiene of the students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽  
Maryam Barkhori Mehni ◽  
Mostafa Rezaeian ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Vali Baigi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. (13.3%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%) and Giardia lamblia (10.6%) as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana (2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (1.0%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) and Ascaris lambercoides (0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases. Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.


Author(s):  
Samuel Kamonge ◽  
Lucy Kamau ◽  
Ngethe Muhoho

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) such as soil transmitted helminths (STH) and protozoa can cause diverse negative effects on human health. The prevalence of IPI in primary school children in Mbeere North sub-county in Embu County is not documented, though there are many cases reported in health centers in the area. The aim of this study was to establish the current prevalence of IPIs in primary school children in Mbeere North sub-county and the factors that perpetuate transmission which is necessary for implementation of suitable control programs in the study area. The study was done among primary school children from nine public schools. Three schools per administrative ward were randomly selected to represent each of the three administrative wards. A total of 414 pupils whose parents/guardians gave informed consent participated in the study, 46 pupils per school. Each participant provided a thumb size of early morning stool. The stool samples were processed by Formol-ether concentration technique and direct wet preparation methods for microscopic identification of intestinal parasites. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on age, sex, sanitation and hygiene practices. The overall point prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections amongst the pupils was 43%. Chi-square (χ²) test was done to determine the relationship between prevalence and the pupils’ age and sex. There was no significant association between prevalence and sex (χ² = 0.184, P = 0.668, df = 1) but a significant association was found between prevalence and age where children 11 years and below were more pre-disposed than those above 11 years old (χ² =4.770, P=0.043, df =1). Similarly, a significant association was found between water source and prevalence of IPI; the parasites infection prevalence decreased when tap water was used and increased when open surface water was used (F = 6.15, P = 0.006). From this study, it is clear that IPIs particularly E. histolytica are a problem in primary school children in Mbeere North Sub-County. There is an urgent need for provision of safe domestic water in the county. Additionally, community education on sanitation and IPI transmission risk factors is urgently required. The information generated in this study is beneficial to the public health service in designing control strategies for areas of high transmission.


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