Soil-transmitted helminthiases among school-age children and their association with water, sanitation, and hygiene, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthes pose the main health impact in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with children being at increased risk of infection. This study assessed the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes among school children and their association with water, sanitation, and hygiene condition in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal findingsA cross-sectional study design was employed on randomly selected 549 school-age children from 11 schools by using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Stool samples were collected and tested as fresh within 2 hours using the Kato-Katz technique as standard procedure. Data were analyzed by SPSS software; results were summarized using descriptive statistics, and a logistic regression model. Levels of considerable tests were determined with a 95% confidence interval and P-values <0.05.The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes was 49.7% (95% CI: 45.7%, 53.9%). Overall, water and latrines services were below the standard of 20 liters per person per day and one latrine seat per 50 boys and 25 girls respectively. In particular, no habit of washing hands with water and soap, 1.9%, (95% CI: 1.2%, 3.0%); inaccessible to safe drinking water, 10.8%, (95% CI: 3.96%, 30.26%); inaccessible to improved latrine, 10.8%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 78.4%); and practicing open defecation at school compound, 9.4%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 57.2%) were the main issues of concern observed. Conclusions/SignificanceAlmost half of the studied children were infected with one or more soil-transmitted helminthes. Schools had inadequate water, sanitation, and poor personal hygiene practices. The infection by soil-transmitted helminthes among school children was high. This study has indicated that water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors were the main risk factors for helminthes infestation in the study area. The school community needs to focus on actions that promote hygiene practices in the school. Author summaryThis study has appreciably indicated that the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes are association with water, sanitation, and hygiene factors that were mainly affected the school-age children as they are a highly vulnerable group of the community especially within the city setups. This is valuable to health and education sectors to direct planning and resources to target the common health problems relating to the soil-transmitted helminthes and water, sanitation, and hygiene factors. It also gives insights about the current situations of the school environment as well as corrective interventions that will be implemented for children infected with STH. Further, the finding contributes to strengthening health-promoting behaviors.