Mamo, Hassen (PhD)Ali, Yimam2018-07-172023-11-082018-07-172023-11-082016-09http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/9035Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still quite common in low-income countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children due to low-quality drinking water, poor personal and environmental sanitation. Periodic evaluation of the current status of IPIs in a locality is a prerequisite to better control these health threats. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinant factors of IPIs among school-age children in Mekaneselam, northwest Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Mekaneselam health center and its design was crosssectional and retrospective investigation. Stool samples collected in November 2015 - May 2016 were analyzed using the direct-wet method. Retrospective data recorded between November 2014 and May 2015 was also extracted from the health record system. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data on environmental, socio-demographic and behavioral variables. Data analysis was done using the chi-squared test. In the retrospective investigation, out of 314 patients examined 249(79.3%) had microscopy-confirmed IPIs. Ninety (28.7%) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, 84(26.8%) Giardia lamblia, 14(4.5%) hookworm and 61(19.4%) Ascaris lumbricoides were detected. Totally 227 fresh stool samples were examined in the crosssectional survey and 133(58.6%) were positive for IPIs. There were 51(22.5%) E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, 57(25.1%) G. lamblia, 15(6.6%) hookworm and 10(4.4%) A. lumbricoides cases. The results indicated that IPIs were common health problem among the school-age children. Source of drinking water and hand washing practice before meal were significantly associated with positivity for IPIs (X2=0.166, p=0.809). Thus, there is a need for intensive and habitual health education for behavioral changes related to personal hygiene and mass treatment for effective control of IPIs in the study area. Keywords: Prevalence, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookwormenPrevalenceEntamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskiiGiardia lambliaAscaris lumbricoideshookwormThesis