Infections from Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosoma Mansoni in School Children in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Alemu Abebe, Atnafu Asmamaw, Addis Zelalem, Shiferaw Yitayal, Teklu Takele, Mathewos Biniam, Birhan Wubet, Gebretsadik Simon, Gelaw Baye
Primary Institution: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and associated risk factors of soil transmitted helminths and intestinal Schistosomiasis among school children in Zarima town, Ethiopia?
Conclusion
The prevalence of soil transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was high among school children in the study area, indicating a major public health problem.
Supporting Evidence
- 82.4% of the study participants were infected with one or more parasites.
- Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite found in 22% of the children.
- S. mansoni was isolated in 37.9% of the study participants.
- Infections were significantly associated with shoe wearing and swimming habits.
Takeaway
Many school children in Zarima town have worms that can make them sick, and we need to help them stay healthy by improving water and sanitation.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire and stool samples were analyzed using Kato Katz technique.
Limitations
The study only used a single stool sample which may not capture day-to-day variations in egg output.
Participant Demographics
The study included 319 school children aged 5 to 17 years, with a majority being Amahara ethnicity and Orthodox Christians.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000008
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.017, 9.373
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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