Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Secondary School Students in Mbarara City Uganda

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain an important public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, disproportionately affecting school-aged children and adolescents. These infections can contribute to malnutrition, anaemia, impaired cognitive development, poor educational outcomes, and increased vulnerability to other infections. Although Uganda has implemented various parasite control interventions, evidence on IPIs among secondary school students remains limited. This study determined the prevalence of and factors associated with IPIs among students attending God’s Shepherd Secondary School in Mbarara City, Uganda. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 234 students selected through stratified simple random sampling. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, environmental exposures, and hygiene practices was collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool specimens were collected and examined using direct wet-mount microscopy, iodine and eosin preparations, and the formalin–ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and infection prevalence, while bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with IPIs. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of IPIs was 11.1% (95% CI: 7.7–15.9%) among the 234 students. The mean age was 16.21 ± 1.43 years, with most participants being female (74.4%), boarding students (84.6%), and from rural areas (61.5%). Four parasitic species were identified, with Giardia lamblia accounting for the largest proportion of infections (58%), followed by hookworm (23%), Hymenolepis nana (15%), and Schistosoma mansoni (4%). None of the assessed socio-demographic, environmental, or behavioural factors was significantly associated with infection in either bivariate or multivariable analyses (p > 0.05). Failure to boil drinking water showed the strongest, although statistically non-significant, association with infection (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 0.83–7.24; p = 0.106). Conclusion IPIs remain a public health concern among secondary school students in this setting, despite the absence of statistically significant associations with the factors assessed. The predominance of Giardia lamblia highlights the need for continued attention to parasitic infections among adolescents, a population that may receive less attention in existing control programs. Strengthening school-based parasite control, access to safe water and sanitation, and hygiene education may help reduce the burden of infection. Larger studies incorporating a broader range of environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors are warranted.