Prevalence and Risk Factors of Soil‐Transmitted Helminths Among Students in Fogera District, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a widespread problem globally, particularly in rural areas. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of STH infection is high. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections has not diminished in spite of the nation’s strict STH prevention and control measures for decants. Additionally, variables linked to the high prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections are not adequately addressed. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of STHs among students in the Fogera district, northwest Ethiopia. Method A cross‐sectional study design was employed in two primary schools in the Fogera district in February–March 2023. The stool samples were collected from the students and examined using saline wet mount and double Kato–Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to compute the prevalence of STHs. Factors associated with hookworm and A. lumbricoides infections were analyzed by logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression were considered significant. Results Among 463 schoolchildren, totally, the prevalence of STHs was 25.3%. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections was 55 (11.9%) and 62 (13.4%), respectively. Mothers’ lack of education (AOR = 24.99; 95% CI = 7.05–88.67; p < 0.001), fathers’ lack of education (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.18–7.7; p = 0.021), school latrine nonusage at school (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI = 1.89–10.95; p < 0.001), untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 7.31; 95% CI = 2.57–20.81; p < 0.001), no handwashing after toilet use (AOR = 14.87; 95% CI = 3.97–55.75; p < 0.001), no handwashing before eating (AOR = 30.05; 95% CI = 11.05–81.74; p < 0.001), the absence of handwashing facility at home (AOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.19–15‐ 64; p < 0.001), and irregular wearing of shoes (AOR = 18.59; 95% CI = 6.89–50.13; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with STH infection. Conclusion The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was significant. Poor implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene was a risk factor for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infection. Hence, health education on the transmission of STHs should be advocated to parents and schoolchildren.