Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthiasis and Associated Risk Factors among Schoolchildren in Dawro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide and these infections tend to be higher in schoolchildren than other members of the community. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine infection prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal helminths among schoolchildren in Dawro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional parasitological study was conducted between May to July, 2014 among children in selected primary schools. Using standard parasitological methods, 374 randomly selected children were examined for soil transmitted helminths and S. mansoni among which 224 (59.9%) were found positive at least for one intestinal helminth. Seven helminth species were identified in the study subjects with the most dominant parasite being Ascaris lumbricoides (47.3%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (23.5%) while Schistosoma mansoni (1.1%) being the least dominant. The present study indicated that there is a need for integrated control program through periodic deworming, enhancing socio-economic status, supplying safe water for drinking and promoting health education so as to bring lasting impact on transmission of intestinal helminthic infections. Keywords: intestinal helminths, schoolchildren, Dawro Zone, Southern Ethiopia