Risk Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among School Age Children in Deneba Primary School, Deneba Town, Central Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections are major health problems in Ethiopia causing significant morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional study conducted from December 2015 to January 2016 assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among 384 school-age children at Deneba Primary School in Central Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 49.7%. Major parasites identified were Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%), Hymenolepis nana (3.6%), Giardia lamblia (3.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3.1%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1%). Protozoan infections (36.5%) were more prevalent than helminthic infections (8.1%). Significant risk factors included toilet usage, handwashing before eating, and handwashing after using toilet. The study reveals high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections requiring improved sanitation and hygiene practices among school-age children in the study area.