Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Schoolchildren around Lake Tana, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common neglected tropical diseases widely distributed in tropical countries with poor socioeconomic development. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm are the three major STHs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in selected primary schools around Lake Tana, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2021 involving 337 study participants. A systematic random sampling method was utilized to select the study participants from the selected schools. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and risk factors for STH infections were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Stool samples were collected in sterile plastic containers from each participant and processed using Kato–Katz thick fecal smear and Ritchie’s concentration techniques. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software tool version 23, and factors with a p