Prevalence and associated risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren in Mekan Eyesus town, northwestern Ethiopia

Background

Little attention has been paid to determining the prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in some developing countries. This study was, therefore, carried out to determine the prevalence and associated factors of STH infections among schoolchildren attending three primary schools in Mekane Eyesus town, northwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in Mekane Eyesus town. Stool samples were collected from 401 children from three primary schools in the town. Wet-mount and formol ether concentration techniques were used to diagnose stool samples, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for STH infections.

Results

The overall prevalence of STH infection in this study was 18.2 % (73/401). The most common helminth species detected was Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) (7.5 % (30/401)). Not trimming fingernails regularly (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.75, 95 % CI = 1.87–7.50), having illiterate fathers (AOR = 2.29, 95 % CI = 1.18–4.44), and being aged 15–17 years (AOR = 2.37, 95 % CI = 1.06–5.30) were associated with increased odds of STH infection. Children who wash their hands after defecation (AOR = 0.43, 95 % CI = 0.21–0.88) and those whose mothers were housewives (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI = 0.08–0.58) had lower odds of STH infection.

Conclusion

This study found a high prevalence of STH infection among schoolchildren in Mekane Eyesus town. Thus, STH infection preventive measures, including deworming of schoolchildren, should be implemented in the study area. Moreover, giving health-related knowledge about STH infection prevention strategies, such as regular fingernail trimming and hand washing after defecating, is vital for reducing the prevalence of STH infections in the study area.