Browsing by Author "TILAHUN ENDALE"

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    ASSESSMENT OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN VISITING ASSELA REFERRAL HOSPITAL
    (Hawassa University, 2024-05) TILAHUN ENDALE
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and undernutrition in under-five children are of significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries and contribute significantly to childhood morbidity and disability. Unfortunately, under-five children are more susceptible to infection. However, information is scarce in the study area. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between intestinal parasites and the anthropometric status of outpatients under five children in Assela referral hospital, east Arsi zone, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted at Assela referral hospital from February 15 to March 15, 2024. Stool samples were collected from 227 children and examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Children's weight, height, and Z scores were measured using a digital balance scale and a wooden board, with mothers or caregivers deducted from weight. The data were entered into Excel and analyzed using WHO-Anthro Plus software version v3.2.2 and SPSS v24 statistical software, respectively. An AOR analysis was done to test the association between intestinal parasites and nutritional status. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 38 (16.7%), 64 (28.2%), and 59 (26%), respectively. The total prevalence of parasitosis was 19.4% of children infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were E. histolytica (8.4%), E.Vermicularis (4.4%), and Giardia lamblia (3.5%). Residence (P: <0.001), deworming (P: 0.009), toilet (P: 0.034), and others like: fingernail cleanness, water source and parental education levels were the predictor variables for the prevalence of IPIs. Protozoan parasites are the most common cause of disease in under-five children in the area. Public health interventions for intestinal parasitic infections include targeted deworming programs, health education campaigns, sanitation improvements, routine screening, nutritional support, community-based interventions, and comprehensive health policies.