High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among primary schoolchildren in Southwest Ethiopia: the need for health strategies alongside mass drug administration

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis remain widely prevalent in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of STH and schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in Gidi Bench district (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Republic, Southwest Ethiopia) and the association with knowledge and health-related behaviors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Stool samples, analyzed by the Kato-Katz technique and a knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire, were collected.

Results: Out of 611 participants (mean age 12.8±3.1 y), 129 (21.1%) were infected with schistosomiasis and 382 (62.5%) had STH. More than 30% (n=195, 31.9%) were infected with a single intestinal parasite, while 138 (22.6%) and 47 (7.7%) were infected with two or three parasitic infections, respectively. Boys and those who did not participate in school clubs had higher infection rates (p=0.05). Lower parasitic infection was associated with using a latrine when available, washing hands and vegetables and wearing shoes regularly. Higher rates of infection were found among those who reported swimming and washing cloths and utensils in the river regularly.

Conclusions: Schistosomiasis and STH were highly prevalent among schoolchildren in Gidi Bench district. Infection rates were associated with gender, lack of knowledge on parasitic infections and unhealthy behaviors. Findings from this study may assist in decision making regarding disease prevalence and methods of control alongside mass drug administration.