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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among schoolchildren at the University of Gondar Community School, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
BMC Public Health, Volume 13, No. 1, Article 304, Year 2013
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Description
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public health problems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their distribution is mainly associated with poor personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and limited access to clean water. Indeed, epidemiological information on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections in different localities is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren. Method. This school-based cross-sectional study was undertaken at the University of Gondar Community School from April 2012 to June 2012. Study subjects were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data were gathered through direct interview by using a pretested questionnaire. The collected stool specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of eggs, cysts and trophozoites of intestinal parasites using direct saline smear and formol-ether concentration methods. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 16 software. Result: Out of 304 study subjects, 104 (34.2%) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. The prevalence rate was 43 (32.1%) for male and 61 (35.9%) for female. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in age group of 10-12 years compared to other age groups. The predominant intestinal parasite was Hymenolepis nana, followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Ascaris lumbricoides with 42 (13.8%), 28 (9.2%), 18 (5.9%), respectively. Hand washing practice and ways of transportation were statistically associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Children in grades 1 to 3 had a higher prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection than those in grades 4 to 8 (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Intestinal parasites were prevalent in varying magnitude among the schoolchildren. The prevalence of infections were higher for helminths compared to protozoa. Measures including education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, water supply and treatment should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites. © 2013 Gelaw et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Gelaw, Aschalew
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Anagaw, Belay
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Nigussie, Bethel
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Silesh, Betrearon
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Yirga, Atnad
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Alem, Meseret
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Endris, Mengistu
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Gelaw, Baye
Ethiopia, Gondar
University of Gondar
Statistics
Citations: 167
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 1
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1471-2458-13-304
e-ISSN:
14712458
Research Areas
Environmental
Health System And Policy
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Ethiopia
Participants Gender
Male
Female