Burden of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and the Intensity of Helminth Infection Among Primary School Children in Sidama, Ethiopia: A Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial Analysis
Aberash Eifa Dadhi, Mekdes Tigistu Yilma, Mehretu Belayneh, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv Engebretsen, Alemselam Zebdewos OrsangoIntroduction
Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health issue. Data on protozoal infections and the utilization of count models to describe helminth intensity are limited. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the intensity of helminth infections as well as its associated factors among primary school children in Shebedino District, Sidama, Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 622 primary school children (Grade 1–2/7–10 years old) from six selected schools using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Stool samples were examined using the wet mount and Kato–Katz procedures. Logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections, and zero‐inflated negative‐binomial regression to identify factors associated with intensity of helminth infection using Stata 17.
Result
A total of 622 children provided stool samples for analysis, of whom 334 (53.7%) were boys. The median age was 8.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2 years). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 348 (56.0%), of whom 253 (40.7%) had a single infection. From the total parasitic infections, 311 (89.4%) were helminth, with Ascaris lumbricoides accounting for 302 (86.8%). Protozoal infections accounted for 110 (31.6%) of the total infections, with G. lamblia being the most common observed protozoa, 95 (27.3%). Males were less likely to be uninfected with A. lumbricoides than females (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.7). The intensity of A. lumbricoides infection was significantly lower among children whose mothers had attended primary or higher education (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.9).
Conclusion
Intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent among primary school children in the rural Sidama region. Improving preventive measures, like access to safe water, improved food hygiene practices, and sanitation routines, while addressing proper personal hygiene through health education for school children, is urgently needed.
Trial Registration
Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR202403614331028