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Globally, intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) such as soil transmitted helminths (STH) and protozoa have been noted as one of the most common causes of illnesses and diseases especially among economically disadvantaged communities. With an average prevalence rate of 50% in the developed countries and almost 95% in third world countries, it is estimated that intestinal parasites result in 450 million illnesses. Although IPIs are known to cause retardation in growth, diarrhoea or even death, the prevalence in primary schoolgoing children in Mbeere North sub-county in Embu County is not documented, though there are many cases reported in health centers in the area. The aim of this study was to establish the current prevalence of IPIs in primary school children in Mbeere North subcounty and the factors that perpetuate transmission which is necessary for implementation of suitable control programs in the study area. The study was done among primary school children from nine public schools. Three schools per administrative ward were randomly selected to represent each of the three administrative wards. Stratified sampling technique was used where each ward formed a stratum. Balloting was done to sample three schools per stratum. Systematic sampling was done to sample pupils per class using the class register where the sampling interval was calculated by dividing the class size by the proportionate sample size (N/n). A total of 414 pupils whose parents/guardians gave consent participated in the study, 46 pupils per school. Each participant provided a thumb size of early morning stool. The stool samples were processed by Formal-ether concentration technique and direct wet preparation method for microscopic identification of intestinal parasites namely E. histolytica, G. lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, A. lumbricoides, and hookworm species. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on age, sex, ward, sanitation and hygiene practices. The overall point prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections amongst the pupils was 43 %. Chi-square (χ2) test was done to determine the relationship between prevalence and the pupils’ age and sex. There was no significant association between prevalence and sex (χ2 = 0.184, P = 0.668, df = 1) but a significant association was found between prevalence and age where children 11 years and below were more pre-disposed than those above 11 years old (χ2 =4.770, P=0.043, df =1). Similarly, a significant association was found between water source and prevalence of IPI; the parasites infection prevalence decreased when tap water is used and increases when open surface water is used (F = 6.15, P = 0.006). However, there was no significant association noted between prevalence and ward of pupil residence (F = 1.644, P = 0.200). From this study there is clear indication that IPIs particularly E. histolytica are a problem in schools in Mbeere North. There is urgent need for provision of safe domestic water in Mbeere North Sub-county and to broaden the Mbeere water and sanitation piped water project to reach all the homesteads. Additionally, community education on sanitation and IPI transmission risk factors is urgently required. The data collected is beneficial to the public health service in designing control strategies for areas of high transmission.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Transmission Risk Factors in Primary School Children in Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County, Kenya