Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Primary Schoolchildren in Kohlan District at Hajjah Governorate, Yemen

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the most frequently reported in Yemen and significant health problem among schoolchildren with prevalence ranging from 18% to 90%. Aim: The present work is a cross-sectional study that aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary schoolchildren in Kohlan district at Hajjah governorate, Yemen. Methods: A total of 400 stool specimens were collected from schoolchildren between January to April 2020 and examined by direct smear and formalin ether concentration techniques. Results: The result revealed that 73.25% were positive for intestinal parasite infection with a slightly higher prevalence of protozoa than helminthes infections (52.56 vs. 47.44%, respectively). Also, the highest rate of single parasitic infection was more than multiple parasitic infections. The most frequency of intestinal parasites was 30.03% for Entameba histolytica followed by 22.53% for Giardia lamblia, 17.75% for Enterobius vermicularis, 14.33% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 7.51% for Hymenolepis nana, 5.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 1.71% for Trichuris trichiura, and 0.68% for Ancylostoma duodenale. In addition, the parasitic infection among boys was higher significantly higher than infection among girls. Conclusion: From the obtained result, different control measures are required for controlling and preventing the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among schoolchildren.