Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among children from child centres in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abebaw, Aynework; Alemu, Getaneh; Ayehu, Animen
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 50:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 194
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Intestinal parasite -- prevalence -- child centre -- children; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475520920161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

Data concerning the burden of parasites among populations living in overcrowded circumstances have paramount importance for the success of interventions aimed at eliminating such disease. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted from February to May 2019 among 217 children at child centres in Bahir Dar city. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and stool samples were processed for parasitological investigation. A total of 53 (24.4%) children were infected with at least a single species of intestinal parasite. Giardia lamblia (7.8%) was the most frequent, followed by Hymenolepis nana (6%). Children with untrimmed fingernails (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.422, P = 0.027) were significantly more prone to infection. Similarly, children with no habit of hand washing after soil contact (AOR = 2.752, P = 0.014) or after defecation (AOR = 3.087, P = 0.026) were significantly associated with parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites at child centres in Bahir Dar is of public health importance; therefore, control programmes should target these children.