Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in the school children of Sarlahi, Nepal

< 0.05). Barefooted Participants had significantly higher unadjusted odds of infection (cOR = 9.37; 95% CI: 1.03-85.35). Likewise, Janajati and Dalit participants showed increased odds of any IPIs (cOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.01-4.34) compared to their reference groups. There was no significant association between IPIs and nutritional status. Despite ongoing mass deworming programs, the relatively high prevalence of IPIs among school-aged children remains concerning. Poor personal hygiene, inadequate sanitation, cohabitation with livestock, and the use of unboiled drinking water may contribute to persistent infections, particularly among females and children from Janajati and Dalit communities with lower socioeconomic status. Targeted school-based health education and hygiene promotion programs are warranted to reduce the infection burden and sustain control efforts.