Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among preschool children in West Badawacho Woreda, Hadiya, Central Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Intestinal parasitic infection is a significant issue of public health, especially in low-resource preschool-aged children. The local prevalence and risk factors are crucial to know to implement specific interventions. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 preschool children in West Badawacho Woreda, Hadiya, Central Ethiopia. Socio-demographic, environmental, water, sanitation, and behavioral data were collected using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites using standard laboratory techniques. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with infection. The total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 70% (287/409). The most prevalent parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (14.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (11.98%), Giardia lamblia (11.25%), and hookworm (9.7%). Single infections accounted for 66.5% of cases, while double and multiple infections represented 2.2% and 1.47%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lack of personal hygiene (AOR = 12.9; 95% CI: 7.7–23.8), open defecation practices (AOR = 11.4; 95% CI: 3.55–26.56), domestic animal ownership (AOR = 11.13; 95% CI: 4.1–22.3), and use of unprotected drinking water sources (AOR = 6.09; 95% CI: 1.73–21.5) were significant predictors of infection. Conversely, maternal education at high school level and above was significantly protective (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.23–0.55). A high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) was reported in West Badawacho Woreda in preschool children, indicating a significant public health problem in the region. Poor hygiene and unsafe water sources, open defecation, and zoonotic exposure were among the factors that were identified as key factors in infection, while greater maternal education was protective. This burden can be mitigated by increasing the capacity and outreach of community health education, upgrading sanitation facilities, increasing the availability of potable water and raising awareness about personal hygiene. Importantly, this study has important community-level information regarding IPIs in preschool children in West Badawacho Woreda for future interventions and planning policies.