<Brief Communication> Intestinal parasitism and related risk factors among students of Asendabo Elementary and Junior Secondary school, South Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted in Asendabo elementary and Junior Secondary Schools, Omo-Nada Woreda, Jimma Zone. From 1322 students, 282 faecal specimens were collected by stratified random sampling and were examined for ova, larva and cysts of intestinal parasites using Kato-thick and direct wet mount techniques. The overall prevalence rate was 86.2%. A total of 10 species were identified with Ascaris lumbricoides leading (56.4%) followed by hookworm (25.5%), and Trichuris trichuria (21.6%), and with Hymnolepis dimunita as the lowest (0.4%). A statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence rate of intestinal parasites by sex, (p<0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of polyparasites by sex, (P>0.5). No statistically significant associations were observed between family size and infection, latrine usage and infection, source of drinking water and rate of infection, and habit of wearing shoes and rate of hookworm infection (P>0.1 in each case). However, there was significant association between status of personal hygiene and rate of infection (p<0.001) where poor personal hygiene favours infection. A multi-disciplinary action is recommended to minimize the risk factors emphasizing on repeated mass chemotherapy for school children. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(2):157-161]