Helminthic infection, its determinants and implication to academic achievements among school-age children in southwest Ethiopia

Soil-transmitted helminthic infections (STH) remain a significant public health concern among school-age children in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify STH infection prevalence, associated factors and its implications for academic achievement among school-age children in Gesha woreda, Kaffa zone, South West Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022 involving 500 households with school-age children who were recruited from seven randomly selected kebeles using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of STH infection. The prevalence of STH infection was found to be 36.7 %. Individuals who drink unimproved water sources are significantly 1.842 times more likely to experience STH infections compared to those who drink improved water sources (95 % CI for AOR 1.842, 1.129–3.005). Further, individuals who eat uncooked vegetables were significantly 4.08 times more likely at risk for STH infections than their counterparts (95 % CI for AOR 4.08, 2.626–8.432). Those children who did not trim their fingernails significantly had a 2.06 times higher likelihood of suffering STH infection than their counterparts (95 % CI for AOR 2.06, 1.199–3.544). The probabilities of having dirt matter under the fingernails are significantly 3.21 times higher at risk for STH infection compared to those who did not have dirt matter under the fingernails (95 % CI for AOR 3.21, 1.164–8.884). Additionally, children with STH infection have significantly lower academic achievements with an annual average score of 42 % compared to those who are not infected with STH (P.value <0.05). The study reveals a significant burden of STH infections in children, leading to lower academic achievement compared to those without the infection, signifying potential future educational challenges. This study underscores the importance of integrating sanitation, hygiene practices, and clean water in schools to reduce STH infection and enhance students' academic performance.