Epidemiology of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Sengota Primary Schoolchildren in Dendi District, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) continue to pose serious public health issues in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Objective: This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among children at Sengota Primary School in the Dendi District, Oromia Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2020. Sociodemographic data and potential risk factors for the occurrence of IPIs were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Stool samples were gathered to detect parasites and examined using direct wet mount and formol-ethyl acetate concentration methods. Data analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software, Version 20. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in the study area was 25.5% (103/404) with 95% CI (21.0%-29.5%). The prevalence rates for protozoa, helminths, and polyparasitism were 14.1% (57/404), 8.2% (33/404), and 3.2% (13/404), respectively. The most prevalent protozoan parasites were Conclusions: The study findings indicate that IPIs are common among children at Sengota Primary School. Contributing factors include poor hygiene practices, limited access to safe drinking water, and insufficient latrine facilities. To effectively reduce the incidence of these infections, it is essential to enhance public health initiatives and establish regular deworming programs in schools.