Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children with low socio-economic and poor living conditions. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school children. The effective prevention and control of parasitic infections require research work based on the identification of intestinal parasites including associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children. Methods: A school based cross- sectional study was conducted from September, 2019- January, 2020 and a total of 422 asymptomatic primary school children were involved in the study. Specimens of the stool samples were examined using the standard parasite and ova method. Direct microscopy using saline and iodine wet mount preparation was used to examine the presence of eggs and larvae of helminthes and trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites and formalin ether concentration method was used for quality assurance. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics and predisposing factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 422 students (aged 5-14 years) participated in the study, 245(58%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Of the total infected participants, 192(45.5%) were single infections and 53(12.6%) were double infections identified. Seven types of intestinal parasitic infections were identified in the present study. The most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia 95(22.5%) followed by hook worm 58(13.7%). Age groups 5-9 years old were more infected, 173 (70.6%) than age groups 10-14 years old 72(29.4%). This result also showed parasitic infections were associated with predisposing factors related to infectious cycles. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations: The present study revealed that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students in the targeted primary schools. Therefore, all stakeholders should give attention to raise awareness about the prevention and control mechanisms of intestinal parasitic infections. Moreover, the health services of the local government should develop a habit of mass public health education and deworming intervention to improve the level of parasitic infection and environmental hygiene in the study area.