Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among schoolchildren in Taiz City Yemen

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiz City, Yemen, from November 2023 to April 2024, to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among 352 students attending both public and private schools. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount (normal saline and iodine) and formalin-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic and hygiene-related data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 80.1%, with Entamoeba histolytica (72.7%) and Giardia lamblia (13.9%) being the most common parasites. Students in public schools showed significantly higher infection rates compared to those in private schools (P = 0.026). Furthermore, infection rates varied significantly by district, with higher prevalence in Salah district (P = 0.014), among low-income families (P = 0.019), and among children relying on relief water (P = 0.034). Data were analyzed using SPSS v22, with chi-square tests (P ≤ 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from the National University's Ethics Committee, with informed consent from guardians. The findings reflect the persistent burden of IPIs in Yemeni children and underscore the need for improved sanitation, safe water access, and hygiene education in schools and communities.