Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street dwellers and prison inmates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are closely associated with low household income, poor personal and environmental sanitation, and overcrowding, limited access to clean water, tropical climate and low altitude. Street dwellers and prisoners are forced to live in deprived situations characterized by inadequate facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates. Method Study searches were carried out in Electronic data bases such as PubMed/Medline, HINARI, EMBASE, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. Studies published only in English and have high quality Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores were included for analysis using Stata version 14 software. Random-effects meta-analysis model was used for analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane’s Q test and I2 test statistics with its corresponding p-values. Moreover, subgroup, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were computed. Result Seventeen eligible studies consist of 4,544 study participants were included. Majority of the study participants were males (83.5%) and the mean age of the study participants was 25.7 years old. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates was 43.68% (95% CI 30.56, 56.79). Sub-group analysis showed that the overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among prison inmates and street dwellers was 30.12% (95%CI: 19.61, 40.62) and 68.39% (95%CI: 57.30, 79.49), respectively. There was statistically significant association between untrimmed fingernail and intestinal parasitic infections (AOR: 1.09 (95%CI: 0.53, 2.23). Conclusion In this study, the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates was relatively high. Fingernail status had statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infection. The prevention and control strategy of intestinal parasitic infection should also target socially deprived segment of the population such as street dwellers and prison inmates.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers at Prison, East and West Gojjam, Ethiopia

Advances in Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/2101089 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Azmeraw Asires ◽

Moges Wubie ◽

Alemayehu Reta

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

West Gojjam ◽

East And West ◽

Study Participants

Introduction. One of the top ten major public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia is the intestinal parasitic infection. Most of the time, intestinal parasitic infections do not show clinical signs and symptoms and also have a number of potential carriers, such as food handlers, which makes it too difficult to eradicate and control. Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers at prison, East and West Gojjam, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at East and West Gojjam prison. A total of 416 study participants, with a response rate of 82.7%, were included in the study for both stool exam and questioner. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the sample was collected and examined based on the standard parasitological procedure. Epi data Version 3.1 was used to enter data, and SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the present study was 61.9%. The most prevalent parasite was A. lumbricoides (157 (45.6%)). Protozoan infection was higher than helminth infection. Multiple intestinal infections were identified; among study participants, 34.6% had double infection. The most significant associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections were fingernail status, residence, information about food contamination related to intestinal parasitic infection, income, and handwashing before having contact with food and after toilet with water only. Conclusions. A high proportion of intestinal parasitic infection was detected among food handlers working at East and West Gojjam prison. Training must be given to the food handlers on personal hygienic conditions (finger trimming, handwashing after toilet and before having contact with food with water and soap, etc.).

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Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03908-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zelalem Animaw ◽

Addisu Melese ◽

Habtamu Demelash ◽

Girma Seyoum ◽

Abiy Abebe

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are public health problems widely distributed in the world and cause significant morbidity and mortality; many of which occur among women of reproductive age. IPIs caused by helminthes and protozoan parasites are common among pregnant women. Data on the national pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors during pregnancy is not documented well in Ethiopia. This review aims at summarizing evidences on the burden of IPIs and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods Published and unpublished studies were thoroughly searched at MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane library and Science Direct. In addition, repositories of Addis Ababa, Gondar and Jimma Universities were searched. Eligible studies were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and summary odds ratios (ORs) were determined with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Sub-groups analyses were done based on study region, types of parasites, methods of stool examination and study setting. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0 software. Results Among 168 retrieved studies, 31 studies with a total population of 12,118 pregnant women were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 27.32 % (95 % CI: 20.61, 33.87 %). In the subgroup analysis, Oromia and Amhara regions had the highest prevalence with a 29.78 % (95 % CI: 15.97, 43.60) and 29.63 % (95 % CI: 15.37, 43.89); respectively. In addition, studies conducted in the community showed higher prevalence than institution based studies (49.93 % Vs 24.84 %; respectively). The most prevalent type of intestinal parasite identified were Hookworm followed by Ascaris lumbricoides with a pooled prevalence of 11.2 and 10.34 %, respectively. In our analysis; residence, being bare footed, lack of hand washing habit and eating uncooked/raw vegetables were significantly associated with IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Conclusions Prevalence of IPIs during pregnancy is relatively high in Ethiopia. Poor hygienic practices were identified as risk factors. Based on our finding, targeted preventive measures shall be considered so as to prevent morbidity and mortality due to IPIs.

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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional-based cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0247075 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0247075

Author(s):

Tahir Eyayu ◽

Teklehaimanot Kiros ◽

Lemma Workineh ◽

Meslo Sema ◽

Shewaneh Damtie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Primary Hospital ◽

Study Participants

Background Intestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. However, there is a limited study conducted in the study area. Hence, this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanja Primary Hospital from January 1 to August 20, 2019. Stool samples were collected from 1240 study participants and analyzed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic and explanatory variables were collected using a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered to ascertain the significance of the association. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.9% (95% CI: 50.2%-55.5%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (21.5%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by Hookworm species (13.3%). Furthermore, the rate of double and triple parasitic infections was observed in 6.1% and 0.5% of study participants respectively. Being Illiterate (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.06–7.47, p = 0.038), swimming habits of more than 4 times a month (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.62–5.24, p< 0.001) and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.74–8.83, p = 0.001) were the key factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusions The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is high in the study area. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated control program, including improving personal, environmental sanitation and health education should be given to have a lasting impact on transmission.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town; South West Ethiopia in 2019: A Cross Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.15526/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sabit Zenu Siraj ◽

Eshetu Alemayehu ◽

Kifle Woldemichael

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Street Children ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Factors like untrimmed finger nails, swimming practice, eating street foods, shoe wearing and lacking knowledge of ways of transmission of intestinal parasitic infections are associated with infection status. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors.

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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town; south West Ethiopia in 2019: a cross sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-8083-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sabit Zenu ◽

Eshetu Alemayehu ◽

Kifle Woldemichael

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Street Children ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections, making it difficult to design appropriate interventions targeting this segment of population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019. Methods Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤0.05 in the multivariable model. Result A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR = 2.03;95%CI (1.02–4.06), eating street food AOR = 2.24;95% CI (1.04–5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR = 2.5; 95% CI (1.24–5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR = 3.8;95% CI (1.8–8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR = 2.5; 95% CI (1.25–5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Several factors were also found to be associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infections and Their Associated Factors among Food Handlers Working in Selected Catering Establishments from Bule Hora, Ethiopia

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/6669742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Sunil Tulshiram Hajare ◽

Robe Kuti Gobena ◽

Nitin Mahendra Chauhan ◽

Feleke Erniso

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Contamination ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Hygiene Measures

Intestinal parasites are responsible for one of the major health problems like food contamination with socioeconomic effects in the world with a prevalence rate of 30-60%, in developing countries that lie within tropical and subtropical areas. They pose a reasonable public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, around 3.5 billion people are affected and more than 200,000 deaths are reported annually. Around 50000 deaths yearly are caused by intestinal parasites in Ethiopia. As such, intestinal parasites perceived global and local burdens to various countries. The risk of food contamination depends largely on the health status of the food handlers, their hygiene, knowledge, and practice of food hygiene. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene and sanitation conditions are the major potential sources of intestinal helminthes and protozoa worldwide. The proposed study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated factors among food handlers working in selected catering establishments. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bule Hora Town from March to April 2020. A total of 136 catering establishments were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 46.3%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most predominant parasite (33.3%, i.e., 21/63) while Giardia lamblia was the least (11.1%, i.e., 7/63). Consumption of vended or borehole water and hygienic practices such as hand washing before eating, after using toilet, before cooking and trimming of finger nail and wearing proper working clothes and shoes were statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infection ( P < 0.05 ). Generally, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this study was high and contributed by low socioeconomic status and poor environmental and personal hygiene. Measures including education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, drinking water supply, regular medical checkups, and treatment should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Associated Factors Among Primary School Students in Ethiopia; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55595/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Moges Agazhe Assemie ◽

Pammla Petrucka ◽

Daniel Shitu ◽

Yidersail Hune ◽

Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Health Concern ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) remains a major public health concern affecting both children and adolescents in Ethiopia. However, little attention has been given to intestinal parasitic infection within primary school children. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was done to determine pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection in this target group.Method: We systematically retrieved available articles on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in primary school children in Ethiopia. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Science Direct between September 1 and December 27, 2019. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data using a standardized Microsoft™ Excel data extraction form. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed with the Higgins I2 tests. The pooled estimates and associated factors of primary school children’s intestinal parasitic infection were assessed with a random-effects model using Stata/se Version 14.Result: We have retrieved 30 eligible articles with pooled sample size of 14,445 primary school children with response rate of 97.8%. Entamoeba spp (16.11%), Ascaris lumbricoides (13.98%), Hookworm (12.51%) and Giardia lamblia (9.98%) were among the top four causes of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 46.09 (95% CI: 38.50, 53.68). Heterogeneity was assessed by doing subgroup analysis by study province/region, with the highest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection being 66.6 % (95% CI: 55.5, 77.7) in Tigray region, followed by Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region at 50.8% (95% CI: 33.1, 68.5). Latrine availability (OR=4.39: 2.50,7.73), fingernail hygiene (OR= 2.37: 1.67, 3.35), place of defecation (OR=1.67:1.64,4.36), maternal education (OR=2.02: 1.18,3.47), residence (OR= 1.88: 1.46, 2.41), habit of wearing shoes (OR= 2.66: 1.79, 3.96), source of drinking water (OR=1.99: 1.42,2.76), hands washing practices (OR= 3.45:1.85,6.47), and habit of washing fruits and vegetables (OR=1.59:1.01,2.49) were found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was high (46%) in the study population. Therefore, this finding warrants the need to design school children hygiene and sanitation service and expand school children deworming programs to decrease intestinal parasitic infections and improve academic performance in the country. In addition, attention should be given to promoting personal hygiene, latrine utilization, wearing shoes, avoiding eating raw food, and creating awareness for those mothers who lack formal education. Moreover, the researchers try to conduct research on province/regions which have no prior research.

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Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia: an institution based cross-sectional study

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-019-4777-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Birhan Alemnew ◽

Yalemzewud Belay ◽

Asmamaw Demis

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 study participants in Woldia university student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire by direct interviewing of study participants. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Results A total of 256 food handlers were enrolled making the overall magnitude of the intestinal parasite which was stool specimens positive for different diagnostic stages of parasites was found to be 43 (16.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasites 14 (5.5%), followed by Giardia lamblia 10 (3.9%). Lack of food safety training (AOR = 6.58; 95% CI 2.46–17.62), no regular medical checkup (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.47–4.24), no handwashing practice after toilet by soap (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI 1.28–8.19), no handwashing practice before eating by soap (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI 1.64–9.91) and haven’t food preparation license (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI 2.18–17.22) were significantly associated with parasitic infection among food handlers.

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Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0244887 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. e0244887

Author(s):

Adam Wondmieneh ◽

Getnet Gedefaw ◽

Birhan Alemnew ◽

Addisu Getie ◽

Melaku Bimerew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

Study Participants ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Cd4 T Cell Count ◽

Hiv Aids

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems throughout the world, particularly in people living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS are vulnerable groups for a variety of diseases, hence they are easily affected by opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasites due to the weakening of their immunity. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Methods Articles were identified through search engines in the online electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, HINARI, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and reference lists of previous studies following the PRISMA Protocol. Studies conducted between 2003 and 2020 with English language were included in this study. This review included papers with having high-quality NOS scores. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 11 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q-test and I2 test statistics. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis was employed with evidence of heterogeneity. Publication bias was determined using the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test statistic. Results This study included a total of twenty-two cross-sectional studies with 5,833 study participants. The mean age of the study participants was 35 years old. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia was 39.15% (95%CI: 32.34, 45.95). The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS who had taking ART and who had not to start ART was found to be 28.27% (95%CI 22.47, 34.06) and 41.63% (95%CI: 28.75, 54.52) respectively. Unavailability of latrine (AOR: 4.87, (95% CI: 2.39, 9.92)), CD4+ T cell count <200cells/μl ((AOR: 3.53, (95%CI: 1.98, 6.27)), and having a history of diarrhea (AOR: 4.79 (95%CI: 1.53, 14.99) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion In this study, the overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was relatively high. CD4+ T-cell count <200cells/μl, unavailability of a latrine, and history of diarrhea were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, the policymakers and health care professionals could give special attention to the presence of latrines, early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections, and early initiation of ART drugs.

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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its associated factors among primary school students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009379 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. e0009379

Author(s):

Moges Agazhe Assemie ◽

Daniel Shitu ◽

Yidersail Hune ◽

Pammla Petrucka ◽

Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Health Concern ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Introduction Intestinal parasitic infection are a major public health concern affecting both children and adolescents in Ethiopia. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection in this target group. Method We systematically retrieved available articles on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection following database searches using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct between March 1 and May 27, 2020. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data using a standardized Microsoft Excel data extraction form. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed with the Higgins I2 tests. The pooled estimates and associated factors were assessed with a random-effects model using Stata/se Version 14. Result We retrieved 30 eligible articles with a pooled sample size of 14,445 primary school children with response rate of 97.8%. Entamoeba spp (16.11%), Ascaris lumbricoides (13.98%), hookworm (12.51%) and Giardia lamblia (9.98%) are the top causes of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence for at least one intestinal parasitic infection was 46.09 (95% CI: 38.50, 53.68). Heterogeneity was assessed by doing subgroup analysis by study province/region. Thus, the highest prevalence of 66.6% (95% CI: 55.5, 77.7) occurred in Tigray region, which was followed by Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region at 50.8% (95% CI: 33.1, 68.5). No latrine availability (OR = 4.39: 2.50,7.73), no fingernail hygiene (OR = 2.37: 1.67, 3.35), open defecation (OR = 1.67:1.64,4.36), no formal maternal education (OR = 2.02: 1.18,3.47), rural residence (OR = 1.88: 1.46, 2.41), no habit of wearing shoes (OR = 2.66: 1.79, 3.96), non-pipe source of drinking water (OR = 1.99: 1.42,2.76), no regular hand washing practices (OR = 3.45:1.85,6.47), and no habit of washing fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.59:1.01,2.49) were associated with parasitic infection. Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was high (46%). Attention should be given to promoting personal hygiene, latrine utilization, wearing shoes, avoiding eating raw food, creating awareness for those mothers who lack formal education. Moreover, future research ideally will expand on the topic by conducting research in regions which have no prior research.

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