Public Health and Epidemiology: Open Access
Public Health Awareness and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School-Aged Children, Hirshabelle State, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
Zakariye Abdifatah Ahmed, Asmat Nawaz, Abdul Rehman Rafee, Hussein Mohamed Salah and Guled Abdukadir Gelle
Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health concern in low-resource settings, particularly among school-aged children. Poor sanitation, limited awareness, and weak preventive practices sustain transmission in Somalia.
Methods A cross-sectional descriptive survey study was conducted from February to July 2025 in Jowhar and Jalalaqsi districts, Hirshabelle State, Somalia. A total of 400 parents, guardians, and teachers of school-aged children were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, awareness, hygiene practices, and health-seeking behavior. Descriptive statistics was applied using SPSS.
Results Among the respondents, 67% were parents, while 20.5% were guardians and 12.5% were teachers. While 77.5% had heard of intestinal parasites, only 57.5% correctly identified person-to-person transmission, and 22% were unsure. Commonly recognized symptoms were diarrhea (63%), abdominal pain (62%), and worms in stool (55%). Preventive awareness was relatively high, with 86% acknowledging preventability. Risk factors included open defecation (13.5%), barefoot walking (43.5%), and untreated drinking water use (49%). Nearly half of children (45.5%) experienced IPI- related symptoms in the past six months, with 82% seeking treatment—mainly at health centers. However, only one-third adhered to WHO-recommended deworming intervals. Trust in healthcare services was modest (58%). Encouragingly, 87.5% expressed willingness to attend free health education sessions.
Conclusion Persistent risk factors such as poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inconsistent deworming sustain IPI transmission in Somali communities. Strengthening water and sanitation infrastructure, expanding school- and community-based health education, and improving routine deworming coverage are essential to reduce the burden among school-aged children.