INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV SEROPOSITIVE AND HIV SERONEGATIVE POPULATIONS ATTENDING PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN GIMBI TOWN, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Major Advisor: Geletta Tadele (MSc, PhD, Background: The co-morbidity of intestinal parasitic infection and HIV/AIDS remain public health concern worldwide. Intestinal parasitic infections are among the public health challenges, particularly in developing Countries including Ethiopia.<br> Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection among HIV seropositive population and HIV seronegative populations attending Public Health Facilities in Gimbi town.<br> Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at public health Facilities in Gimbi town from January to March 2025. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. This study included 318 HIV seropositive and 240 HIV seronegative participants. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on Socio-demographic and other factors. Microscopic examination of stool and CD4+ Cells counts were performed. Association was assessed using Logistic regression. P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.<br> Result: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 38.68% (123/318) among HIV seropositive and 28.33% (68/240) among HIV seronegative respondents. The detected intestinal parasites were G. lamblia (55(44.7%) and 34(50%)), E. histolytica/dispar (51(41.5%) and 24(35.2%)), A. lumbricoids (6(4.9%) and 8(11.8%)), and Hookworm (2(1.6%) and 1(1.5%)) among HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. (3.3%) and I. belli (1.6%) were detected exclusively among HIV seropositive participants. Rural residence, lack of hand washing after toilet, lack of hand washing with soap and water before meal and not washing fruits before eating were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections among both study groups (p&lt;0.05). CD4+ Cells &lt;200/μL and 200-499/μL were found significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection among HIV seropositive participants (P&lt;0.05).<br> Conclusion<br> Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found higher for HIV seropositive than HIV seronegative. G. lamblia was the leading parasite identified followed by E. histolytica/dispar. Routine screening and treatment, improved sanitation and hygiene, health education &amp; ART adherence among HIV seropositive are crucial to reduce intestinal parasitic infection among study populations.<br> Key words: Intestinal parasitic infection, HIV seropositive, HIV seronegative, Associated Factors