Tungiasis infection among primary school children in Northeastern Tanzania: prevalence, intensity, clinical aspects and associated factors

•Tungiasis is among the neglected ectoparasitoses affecting children in Tanzania.•Moderate prevalence of tungiasis infection was observed among children.•Not keeping a dog/cat at home was a protective factor.•Tungiasis infection was contributed by host, agent and environmental factors. To investigate the prevalence, intensity, clinical aspects and factors associated with tungiasis infection among primary school children in Northeastern Tanzania. A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 primary school children. Participants were assessed through clinical examination to look for embedded Tunga penetrans in their hands, feet, arms and legs. A structured questionnaire was used to enquire about factors associated with tungiasis infection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test and logistic regression, with p