Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary School Students in Wonji Shoa, Adama District, East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

• Published in: BioMed research international 2024, Vol.2024 (1), p.5520924
• Main Authors: Adugna, Abera, Yohannes, Tilahun, Tesfaye, Solomon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Animals; Antiparasitic agents; Child; Consent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptosporidium; Defecation; Drinking water; Entamoeba histolytica - isolation & purification; Error analysis; Ethics; Ethiopia - epidemiology; Family size; Feces - parasitology; Female; Food contamination & poisoning; Humans; Humid climates; Infections; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - epidemiology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - parasitology; Intestinal parasites; Living conditions; Male; Parasites; Parasitic diseases; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Sample size; Schools; Secondary school students; Secondary schools; Sociodemographics; Students; Water scarcity
• ISSN: 2314-6133; 2314-6141; 2314-6141
• DOI: 10.1155/2024/5520924

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Periodic assessments of IPI prevalence are essential prerequisite for effective control measures. Therefore, this cross-sectional study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren at Wonji Shoa Secondary School, East Shoa Zone, Adama district, Oromia region, Ethiopia, between January and June 2022. A simple random stratified sampling technique was employed to select participants. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined to identify parasites. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were conducted to assess associations between variables and then the strength of the association. A value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 403 selected students, 330 completed the study that makes 81.89% response success. The overall IPI prevalence was 16.66% (55/330), with a higher prevalence among males (60%, 33/55) than females (40%, 22/55). Five parasite species were identified: two protozoa ( and ) with a combined prevalence of 9.70% (32/330) and three helminths ( , , and spp.) with a combined prevalence of 6.97% (23/330). Cysts were detected in 62.5% of cases (15/24), and eggs were detected in 76.92% of cases (10/13). The study revealed a substantial IPI prevalence (16.66%) among the students. This finding underscores the need for effective prevention and control strategies. The predominance of parasitic infections among males is notable requiring further investigation of the factors. The identification of multiple parasite species indicates a complex epidemiological scenario. The presence of protozoan cysts and helminthic eggs highlights the potential for fecal-oral transmission and the importance of improved sanitation and hygiene practices.