Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasites among Delgi school children, North Gondar, Ethiopia

Epidemiological information on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections and identification of local risk factors in different regions/localities is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control strategies. Hence the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors among school children. A cross sectional study involving 704 school children was conducted from 27 September to 6 December, 2010. Structured questionnaire were used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected from all study subjects and examined for parasites using direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. Finally, data entry and analysis was done using Epi-info and SPSS statistical soft ware respectively. Ten species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 79.8% (562 of 704 children). The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 338 (48%), Giardia lamblia 295 (41.9%),Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 192 (27.3%), Schistosoma mansoni 112 (15.9%), Hookworm 81(11.5%). Of the total positive stool samples 96 (13.6%) were single infection and 466 (66.2%) were mixed infection, from this mixed infections majority of the children had double infection 309 (43.9%). Intestinal parasite prevalence was higher in children with less educated mother, in children who have habit of eating raw/ unwashed vegetables, drinking unprotected well/spring water and who do not have hand washing practice before meal (P< 0.05). In conclusion, Intestinal parasite infection is a health problem among Delgi school children. Therefore, interventions including improvement of sanitation, provision of safe water, and health education on personal hygiene to the students and to their parents should be given. Key words: Intestinal parasites, Delgi school children, Ethiopia.