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    PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING ADARE HOSPITAL HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University, 2024-11) BONTU DESU
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health issue, especially in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IPIs and identify the associated risk factors among patients visiting Adare Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia. A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted, with socio-demographic data collected through semi-structured questionnaires and stool samples analyzed using Direct Microscopy (Wet Mount) and Formal-Ether Concentration methods.. Data was analysed using SPSS version-27, by descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analyses. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance .Out of 422 stool samples, 152 (36.0%) tested positive for intestinal parasites. The most commonly detected parasites were Giardia lamblia (14.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.4%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.6%), while Hymenolepis nana was less frequently identified. Additionally, 16 participants (3.8%) had double infections. This study investigates the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in a specific population, focusing on age, income, occupation, hygiene practices, and access to clean water, dietary habits, and medical history. Findings reveal that Children aged 0-5 and 6-15 years face a higher risk of infection (AOR 1.509, p = 0.018), (AOR 1;59, P=0.17)respectively and low-income households, particularly those earning below 1000 NTS, are at greater risk (AOR 1.304, p < 0.01). Among occupations, students show a notably high risk (AOR 13.39, p < 0.001). Hygiene practices, especially hand washing with soap and water, significantly reduce IPI risk (AOR 0.188, p = 0.030), while limited access to clean water increases it (AOR 3.436, p < 0.001). Dietary habits, such as consuming raw meat or fish, are linked to higher infection rates (AOR 0.368, p = 0.001).These finding highlight critical risk factors, including age, income, occupation, hygiene, and water access and underscore the need for improved hygiene practices, sanitation, and access to clean water in Hawassa to mitigate the spread of parasitic infections. This study provides essential insights that can inform targeted public health interventions in the region.