Mamo, Hassen (PhD)Mamo, Haji2018-07-022023-11-082018-07-022023-11-082016-09http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/5472Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among major causes of diarrhea in least-developed tropical and subtropical regions including Ethiopia. Recent information on these diseases is essential to design suitable control interventions in a specific setting. This study was conducted to detect amoeba and giardia infections and explore the status of some universal risk factors in Haik town and its surroundings, northeast Ethiopia. Patients visiting Haik health center (HHC) between November 2015 and April 2016 and suspected of amoebiasis and giardiasis were invited to participate in the study. Socio-demographic and environmental variables linked to amoebiasis and giardiasis were extracted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and screened using the direct-smear microscopy. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was 10.6% (n=500). Of these, 2.2% were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii and 8.4% Giardia intestinalis. About half of the participants were farmers and thus had lower education level with poor hygienic habits. Latrine coverage was good (60.8%), but still considerable number (39.2%) of the participants defecate in the field. Substantial number (56.2%) of participants had no practice of post-toilet hand wash. About 46% of the participants never attended health education. Substantial number (252) of people used tape water (which is relatively better protected). However, still a large number of people (248) were using unprotected water (pond and pump, spring and river). These all conditions could create ideal ground for amoeba and giardia transmission although the current amoebiasis or giardiasis cases were low. Patients who defecate in the field, do not practice post-toilet hand wash and those had unprotected drinking water were at significantly higher risk of being amoeba or giardia-positive. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% CI were respectively 11.56, 4.33-33.38; 5.18, 1.71-15.71; 8.47, 2.4-29.45. The p-value was <0.0001 at all instances. Amoeba and Giardia are important health problems of the study participants. There for, prompt intervention strategies should be designed and implemented to upgrade status of sanitarian practices including provision of adequate safe water supply, health education on personal as well as personal hygien. Keywords: HHC, E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, G. intestinalis, prevalence, risk factorsenHHCE. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskiiG. intestinalisprevalencerisk factorsThesis