Protozoan and Intestinal Helminth Infections in Schoolchildren from the Famla II and Pete-Bandjoun Areas of West Cameroon

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon, where inadequate hygiene and sanitation conditions in tropical regions favour their transmission. They represent an important public health problem in low-income countries and disproportionately affect school-aged children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors associated with protozoan and intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren in the Famla II and Pete health areas of the Bandjoun District, with a view to informing public health action. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 371 schoolchildren from six primary schools in the Bandjoun District. Stool samples were collected and analysed using the modified Ritchie concentration technique. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 25. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and regression analyses were conducted to assess risk factors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of the 371 stool samples analysed, 66 were positive, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 17.8%. Protozoan infections predominated (96.97%), while helminths accounted for 3.03% of infections. The identified species included Entamoeba histolytica (10.8%), Giardia lamblia (6.5%), and Ascaris spp. (0.50%). No cases of biparasitism or triparasitism were observed. For Entamoeba histolytica, geophagia (p = 0.010), absence of deworming (p = 0.020), and poor water quality (p = 0.010) were significantly associated with infection. For Giardia lamblia, significant associations were observed with geophagia (p = 0.001), poor hand hygiene (p = 0.025), absence of deworming (p = 0.034), and consumption of poor-quality water (p = 0.001). Intestinal parasitic infections remain a public health concern among schoolchildren in the Bandjoun District, with a predominance of protozoan infections. The findings highlight the need to strengthen hygiene practices, improve access to safe drinking water, and reinforce deworming programmes to reduce the burden of these infections.