Risk Factors Associated With Intestinal Pathogenic Parasites In School Children

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health issue, particularly among school-aged children in low-resource settings.  Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic parasites and assess associated risk factors among schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 schoolchildren aged 6–14 years from randomly selected schools. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and hygiene practices were collected using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were analyzed using saline and iodine wet mounts, along with formalin-ether concentration techniques. Associations between risk factors and infection were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 37.7% (n = 83). The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5%), Giardia lamblia (12.7%), and Entamoeba histolytica (9.5%). Significant risk factors included lack of handwashing before meals (aOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.3–7.3, p < 0.001), drinking untreated water (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7–6.1, p < 0.001), and maternal illiteracy (p < 0.001). Polyparasitism was observed in 31.3% of infected cases. Children aged 6–9 years had a significantly higher infection rate (44.3%) compared to those aged 10–14 years (31.4%) (p = 0.04). Conclusion: A high prevalence of intestinal parasites was observed, strongly linked to modifiable environmental and behavioral risk factors. Interventions focusing on hygiene promotion, clean water access, and health education—particularly targeting young children and caregivers—are urgently needed to reduce the burden of parasitic infections.