Intestinal Helminth Infections and Their Association With Nutritional Status and Diarrheal Diseases Among School-Aged Children in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Intestinal helminth infections remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among school-aged children, where they contribute to malnutrition and diarrheal diseases. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and their association with nutritional status and diarrheal diseases among school-aged children in the North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2025 among 374 children selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin assessment, and stool examination was performed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with helminth infection and health outcomes, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. The prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 14.97% (n = 56). Helminth infection was associated with higher odds of stunting (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.05-3.12), anemia (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.82), and diarrhea (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.52-5.01). Furthermore, poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, inadequate hygiene practices, and low dietary diversity were significant predictors of helminth infection and were also associated with increased risk of stunting, anemia, and diarrheal disease. Overall, intestinal helminth infections and modifiable environmental and nutritional factors were independently associated with adverse child health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of integrated interventions combining deworming programs with improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), along with nutrition-sensitive strategies, to improve child health in the study area.