Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni, and haematocrit values among schoolchildren in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths, risk factors and haematocrit values among primary schoolchildren. METHODOLOGY Across-sectional study was conducted in 12 primary schools in March 2011. Stool samples were randomly selected from 778 children and were microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formal-ether concentration methods. Haematocrit values were measured using heparinized capillary tubes. RESULTS The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 51.5% (rural = 68.3%, urban = 36.2%). Hookworm spp., Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma stercoralis were more prevalent in rural schools, whereas Hymenolepis nana was higher in urban schools (p = 0.0001). With regard to haematocrit, 34% of rural and 21.7% of urban schoolchildren had haematocrit values below the median (40.5%) (p=0.001). Hookworm spp. and S. mansoni infected children had lower haematocrit values than non-infected children (p = 0.001). Lack of footwear was positively associated with intestinal helminths infection in rural schools [OR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.5-4.1)], and having dirty fingernails and untrimmed fingernails were positively associated with the prevalence of intestinal helminths in urban samples [OR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.03-2.5)]. CONCLUSION The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and S. mansoni differs by geographical area of the schools and social determinants. Primary school de-worming and health education on proper hygiene are recommended.