Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infection and its Association with Anemia among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia revealed anemia as a severe public health problem among under-5 children but failed to associate with parasite infection. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection (IP) and its association with anemia among children aged 6 to 59 months in Yirgalem General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. METHOD: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 367 children aged 6 to 59 months. Trained data collectors administered the questionnaire. Blood was collected and analyzed for hemoglobin using the HemoCue 301. The stool samples were collected and analyzed. Association between IP and anemia was measured using multivariable analysis. The outputs are presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 48.8% (95% CI: 43.7, 53.9). Anemia was of mild, moderate, and severe type in 24.5%, 21.5%, and 2.8% of the children respectively. The prevalence of IP was 43.3% (95% CI: 38.2, 48.3). The odds of anemia were higher among children infected with IP (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.97, 5.17), large family size (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.59), low-income level (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.35), and MUAC < 11 cm (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.85, 5.81). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IP was high. Anemia has severe public health significance. IP infection, income level, family size, and MUAC level were associated with anemia in children. Strengthening existing programs to prevent childhood anemia, and IP recommended.