Prevalence and determinant factors of intestinal parasites among school children in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia

Back ground: Intestinal parasitic infections are still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children. They are mostly associated with unsafe and low quality of drinking water, poor personal and environmental sanitation. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinant factors of intestinal parasites among school children. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in March, 2014, among 498 students selected from three governmental elementary schools in Arbaminchtown, Southern Ethiopia using stratified multistage sampling method. Structured questionnaire was used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected from all study subjects and were examined for intestinal parasites using direct smear (mount examination) and Formal-ether concentration techniques. Finally, data entry and analysis was done using Epi-info and SPSS statistical soft ware respectively. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of nine parasites were detected .The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 27.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): (23.8-31.6%)). The predominant parasite was E.histolytica/dispar 64(12.9%) followed by A.lumboricoids 53(10.6%), H.nana 21 (4.2%) and G.lamblia 21 (4.2%). Hand washing practice before meal [AOR = 5.7; 95% CI (3.4, 9.7)], nail hygiene [AOR= 2.6; 95% CI (1.5, 4.4)], and children's mother educational level [ A OR =3.5; 95% CI (1.01, 11.4)] showed statistically significant association with high rates of intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of intestinal parasites is high in the study area among school children .Thus, it indicates the need of interventions like health education regarding to personal hygiene and mass treatment.