PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS OF ATSE FASIL GENERAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AZEZO, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Background: In Ethiopia, intestinal parasitoses are among the ten top causes of morbidity, particularly in children. Different studies in the country reported a high prevalence rate of intestinal parasite in school children, but the epidemiological information in Azezo area is not yet available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among school children of Azezo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10 to June 30, 2008, on 354 students selected from Atse Fasil General Elementary School in Azezo-Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia using stratified proportionate random sampling method. A stool sample was collected from each student for intestinal parasite examination using direct saline preparation, formol-ether concentration, and Kato-thick smear techniques. Data regarding socio-demographic, environmental and behavioral factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire; they were cleaned, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 soft ware. Results: Out of the 354 students examined, 258 (72.9%) were positive for one or more species of parasites. The prevalence rate was 78.9% for males and 68.6% for females. The most common parasites recovered were Schistosoma mansoni 154 (43.5%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 102(28.8%) and Trichuris trichiura 64(18.1%). Eleven students (3.1%) showed heavy parasitic infection. Sex, poor personal hygiene, lack of protective shoe, and frequent swimming habits showed statistically significant association with high rates of parasitic infections (P<0.05). Conclusion and recommendation: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in the study area indicates the need for therapeutic intervention and health education.