Research Article
Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites Among Addis Alem Primary School Students, Dessie, Ethiopia
Lubaba Seid Awol
,
Ismail Ebrie Ali*,
Mekonnen Mohammed,
Kewser Seid Mohammed,
Tilahun Haile Tesho,
Birhanu Getahun,
Hanan Getahun Yimam,
Arebu Gashaw Yimer,
Kalkidan Teklu Demissie,
Yesuf Ebrahim Adem,
Mohammed Kassa Mohammed,
Mulugeta Teshome
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-9
Received:
12 November 2025
Accepted:
24 November 2025
Published:
26 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260201.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in Dessie, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 354 students aged 6–15 years. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct saline wet mount techniques. Data were analyzed for prevalence rates across age groups, genders, and parasite species. Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 3.95% (14/354). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent parasite (71.4% of infections), followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, and Enterobius vermicularis (7.1% each). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest infection rate in the 12–15-year age group (10%) and the lowest in 8–10-year-olds (2.63%). Females had a higher infection rate (5.02%) than males (2.85%). Although the prevalence of IPIs in this study was lower than national estimates, the predominance of H. nana and higher infection rates among females and older students highlight the need for targeted interventions. Improved school-based deworming programs, enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and health education are recommended to reduce transmission and mitigate health impacts.
Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in ...
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