Acta Parasitologica Globalis 6 (1): 29-35, 2015 ISSN 2079-2018 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.apg.2015.6.1.91100 Corresponding Author: Tadesse Dejene, Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Mekelle University, Ethiopia. E-mail: taddej2002@gmail.com. 29 Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths and Associated Risk Factors in Rural School-Children in Were-Abaye Sub District, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia Mohammed Seid, Tadesse Dejenie and Zewdneh Tomass 1 2 3 Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Mettu University, Ethiopia 1 Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, 2 Mekelle University, Ethiopia Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, 3 Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia Abstract: A cross sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2013 to determine the prevalence and intensity of helmith infection and associated risk factors in school-children of Were-Abaye sub district of Raya Azebo District, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia by the Kato-Katz technique. Semi-structured interview questionnaire were used to collect data on the risk factors for infection of children with intestinal helminths. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 16.0. Six intestinal helminth species were identified with an overall prevalence rate of 54(12.22 %). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly different among the age groups (p=0.004) with higher infection prevalence occurring in children aged 5-9 years. Factors such as source of drinking water, working in irrigation canals as well as absence of latrine were associated with prevalence of intestinal helminths in the study area. Intestinal helminths are prevalent and school aged children are at high risk of infection in the study area. Therefore, this calls for control and interventions methods including school and community based deworming. Key words: Intestinal Helminths Risk Factors Were Abaye Tigray Ethiopia INTRODUCTION Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiasis varies Infections with helminths are continued to be the influenced by factors such as climatic condition, major health problem in tropical and sub-tropical geographical location, type of parasite species, nature of developing countries and result in considerable host- parasite interaction as well as nutritional and morbidities (eg., poor appetite, growth retardation and immunological status of the host population [7, 8]. impaired cognitive development in children) as well as Prevalence of intestinal helminths has been recorded poor socioeconomic development [1,2]. It is estimated that from nearly all corners of Ethiopia [9 -13]. Despite efforts globally more than 2 billion people are chronically infected to control helminthiasis in Ethiopia, the disease continued with intestinal helminths [3]. Similarly, in Ethiopia it was to cause high morbidity and people live exposed to the reported that helminthiasis is the second most common potential risks [14]. In the Tigray Regional State of cause of outpatient morbidity next to malaria [4]. Ethiopia, expansion of micro-dams for irrigated agriculture School-aged children are frequently affected by is associated with incidence and prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections associated with poor personal helminths [11]. and environmental hygiene [5]. Chronic effects intestinal Furthermore, new schistosomiasis foci are continued helminths are mainly due to nematodes such as Ascaris to be reported in Ethiopia [15]. Epidemiological studies on lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms [6]. intestinal helminths are still required to add up on the throughout the developing world and severity is