Enterobiasis among Yemeni children: a cross-sectional study

Enterobiasis is a highly infectious parasitic disease spreading worldwide including Yemen. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of enterobiasis among Yemeni children in Dhamar governorate. A total of 402 children (aged 1–12 years) participated in this cross-sectional survey carried out at Thamar University Al-Wahdah Teaching Hospital (TUWTH), between 2018 and 2019. Enterobius vermicularis infection was examined using the adhesive tape technique. Association between risk factors and enterobiasis were measured by prevalence ratio (PR). The overall prevalence of enterobiasis was found to be 29.4% (118/402). Risk factors that showed independent association with the infection were child’s care responsibility (PR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.37–2.63; P = 0.001); irregular washing hands before meals (PR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.32–3.05; P = 0.003); habit of nail biting or cutting by teeth (PR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.18–2.21; P = 0.002); habit of putting toys or pen in mouth (PR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.19–2.10; P = 0.002); frequent anal itching (PR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.10–1.93; P = 0.016); using anthelmintic during the last six months (PR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.20–2.36; P = 0.011); and parents have no knowledge on preventive measures (PR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.04–2.53; P = 0.036). Prevalence of enterobiasis among Yemeni children in Dhamar governorate is high with higher infection rate among those aged 1–6 years. Health education and mass treatment are highly recommended among this poor population. © 2022, Indian Society for Parasitology.