Abstract:

Background: Infections with intestinal protozoa pose a serious threat to public health, particularly in underdeveloped countries where standards of hygiene and sanitation may be low. Because of their immature immune systems and increased susceptibility to infection, children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this study is going to reveal the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal protozoa infection among children under five years at Buzuruga health centre in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study that was conducted from May to August 2024 among children under five years at Buzuruga health centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. Demographic information was obtained using a well-structured questionnaire and stool sample was collected in a leak proof sterile container. Sample was analyzed microscopically for intestinal protozoa cysts or trophozoites. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15.0.

Results: A total of 250 participants were recruited from Buzuruga Health Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. Majority were female 56.4% (141/250) with median age 2[1-5]. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa infection was 27.2% (68/250), where infection by E. histolytica accounted 97.1% (66/68) followed by Giardia lamblia 2.9% (2/68). Hand washing (OR; 0.62, 95%CI; 0.39-0.99, p- 0.044), method of disposing feces (OR; 0.15, 95%CI; 0.05-0.44, p- 0.001) and water treatment methods (OR; 0.34, 95%CI; 0.17-0.67, p- 0.002) were significant associated with intestinal protozoa infection among children under five years.

Conclusion and recommendation: Intestinal protozoa infection among children under five years is high in this population group. Therefore, accurate diagnostic tools that can be applied at the point-of-care are urgently required and metronidazole should be utilized against the two pathogenic intestinal protozoa