Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites Among Addis Alem Primary School Students, Dessie, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in Dessie, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 354 students aged 6–15 years. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct saline wet mount techniques. Data were analyzed for prevalence rates across age groups, genders, and parasite species. <i>Result:</i> The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 3.95% (14/354). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent parasite (71.4% of infections), followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, and Enterobius vermicularis (7.1% each). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest infection rate in the 12–15-year age group (10%) and the lowest in 8–10-year-olds (2.63%). Females had a higher infection rate (5.02%) than males (2.85%). Although the prevalence of IPIs in this study was lower than national estimates, the predominance of H. nana and higher infection rates among females and older students highlight the need for targeted interventions. Improved school-based deworming programs, enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and health education are recommended to reduce transmission and mitigate health impacts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Medicine and Health Sciences
Published
2025-12-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mhs.20260201.11
Primary Topic
Parasites and Host Interactions
Type
article
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article

Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites Among Addis Alem Primary School Students, Dessie, Ethiopia

Mulugeta Teshome, Biruk Getahun, Arebu Hussen Yimer, Mohammed Mohammed et al.
Medicine and Health Sciences
Parasites and Host Interactions
article

Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites Among Addis Alem Primary School Students, Dessie, Ethiopia

Mulugeta Teshome, Biruk Getahun, Arebu Hussen Yimer, Mohammed Mohammed, Yesuf Adem, Tilahun Tesho, Mekonnen Mohammed, Hanan Yimam, Kalkidan Demissie, Kewser Mohammed, Lubaba Awol, Ismail Ali
article en

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in Dessie, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 354 students aged 6–15 years. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct saline wet mount techniques. Data were analyzed for prevalence rates across age groups, genders, and parasite species. <i>Result:</i> The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 3.95% (14/354). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent parasite (71.4% of infections), followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, and Enterobius vermicularis (7.1% each). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest infection rate in the 12–15-year age group (10%) and the lowest in 8–10-year-olds (2.63%). Females had a higher infection rate (5.02%) than males (2.85%). Although the prevalence of IPIs in this study was lower than national estimates, the predominance of H. nana and higher infection rates among females and older students highlight the need for targeted interventions. Improved school-based deworming programs, enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and health education are recommended to reduce transmission and mitigate health impacts.

Medicine and Health SciencesVol. 2(1)
Wollo University (ET)
Openalex Percentile: Top 27%
Parasites and Host Interactions
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