PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND ITS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS AT SEDIE TOWN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN EAST GOJJAM ZONE AMARA, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

This thesis presented "Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Risk Factors among School children in Primary Schools at Sedie woreda, Amara Regional State of Ethiopia" examines the intervention measures and intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) in elementary school students in Sedie woreda. The research was conducted from March to November 2024 and involved a sample size of 321 children. The data collected provides insights into the frequency of de worming supplementation awareness regarding intestinal parasites, as well as the frequency of protozoa and helminthiasis infections. The findings reveal that during the specified time frame, no de worming supplementation was provided to the children. While some children reported being aware of intestinal parasites, themajority did not receive regular de worming supplementation. The study identified a not able percentage of children with protozoa infections, particularly Giardia and Entamoeba histolytic. Additionally, a small proportion of children tested positive for helminthiasis infections, including Ascaris lumbricoides and tapeworms. These results emphasize the urgent need for implementing de worming programs and interventions to address and control the intestinal parasite infection incidence in elementary school students in the Sedie woreda. Such interventions are vital to enhance the health and welfare of school children by reducing the burden of these infections and their associated adverse effects, including growth stunting, malnutrition, anemia, fatigue, and impaired school attendance and cognitive performance.