Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among School-Aged Children in Sigmo Primary School, Jimma Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

Background: School-aged children have been identified as high risk group of population to be infected with soiltransmitted helminths (STH) in developing countries. Although, there were previous reports concerning the prevalence; but limited data are available with regards to intensity of the STH. Therefore, the objective of current study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of STH and associated risk factors among school-aged children at Sigmo primary school. Method: Cross-sectional study design was conducted from March-April 2015, at Sigmo primary school children, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Study subjects were selected from grade 1-8 with in age groups between 5-18 yrs old with multistage sampling techniques. The demographic and risk factor analysis data were collected by using pre-tested and structured questionnaires from parents/guardian or teachers of the children. Prevalence and intensity of STH were determined by using Kato-Katz thick smear techniques. Student’s data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software package, both logistic regression and chi-square statistical analysis approaches were applied. Results: Out of 330 calculated sample sizes, 302 were participated in the study. The overall prevalence of STH was 41.7%. A. lumbricoides was the predominant parasite (19.8%) followed by T. trichiura (15.6%). In logistic regression, latrine usage (AOR: 1.77, 95% CI, 1.09-2.87, P=0.020), habit of hand washing before meal (AOR=1.776, 95% CI, 1.098-2.871, P=0.019) and habit of hand washing after toilet (AOR=1.595, 95% CI, 1.005-2.531, P=0.048) were predictor of STH infections in the study area. Regarding sex as possible risk factor, male children were infected more than female children, but not statistical significant. Overall infection intensity of A. lumbricoides in the study area was (20.2%), T. trichiura (16.9%) and hookworm was (1.67%), respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of STHs in the study area was quite high and calls for at least annual mass drug administration in addition to prompting preventive actions like health education, personal hygiene and provision of clean water in the study area.