Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infections and associated factors among households in Gorgora, Ethiopia

Abstract

Although 44.6 million adults live in endemic areas, epidemiological studies and interventions primarily target school-age children (SAC). Hence, data on the prevalence and intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) infections and associated factors among all age groups is crucial to expand interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STHs infections and to compare the diagnostic performance of Kato-Katz thick smear (KK) and formol-ether concentration techniques (FECT) in Gorgora, Western Dembia district, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from March to June 2020, in Gorgora, Dembia district, Northwest Ethiopia. The study participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. KK and FECT were used to diagnose STHs infections. Binary logistic regression analyses were applied to identify associated factors. The prevalence of STHs was 18.2% and 18.7% using FECT and KK, respectively. Using combined diagnostic methods, the overall STHs prevalence was 18.7% (95% CI: 14.9-23.0), with Ascaris lumbricoides (14%) predominating, followed by hookworm (2.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.1%). Most infections (73.6%) were light intensity; 26.4% were moderate. Male sex (AOR = 4.26, 95% CI:2.24-8.07; p < 0.001), open defecation (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI:1.52-5.43; p = 0.001), illiteracy (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI:2.09-7.06; p < 0.001), and irregular handwashing before meals (AOR = 10.24, 95% CI:3.80-27.68; p < 0.001) were independently associated with STHs infections. These findings highlight the need for community-wide health education, improved sanitation, and expanded deworming programs to reduce STHs transmission across all age groups.