Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among schoolchildren in the municipality of Banfora, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health concern, particularly among school-aged children in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among schoolchildren in the municipality of Banfora, Burkina Faso. A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024 among 298 schoolchildren aged 5–14 years. Sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioral data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined by direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and Kato-Katz techniques. Factors associated with intestinal parasitism were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The median age of the participants was 9 years (range: 5–13). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism was 81.9% (244/298; 95% CI: 77.3–86.2). Protozoa predominated (238/298, 79.9%), mainly Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (55.7%). Helminths accounted for 8.4% (25/298) of infections, with Schistosoma mansoni being the most frequent (5.7%). Low personal hygiene (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.2) and household ownership of domestic animals (adjusted OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.1) were identified as the main risk factors for orally transmitted intestinal parasitism. In contrast, having a non-educated household head (adjusted OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.1–12.8) was the primary risk factor for skin-transmitted pathogenic intestinal parasitic infections. Intestinal parasitism is highly endemic among schoolchildren in Banfora. Strengthening integrated control strategies combining hygiene promotion, sanitation improvement, health education, and deworming is essential to sustainably reduce the burden of intestinal parasitism.