Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Risk Factors Affected by the Pandemic Among Primary Schoolchildren in the Provinces of Manzini and Lubombo, Kingdom of Eswatini: A Follow-Up Study in 2019 and 2022.

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a persistent public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among school-aged children.

Objective

This study aimed to compare IPI prevalence and risk factors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini, based on the hypothesis that pandemic-related disruptions may have influenced infection dynamics, despite no formal interventions being introduced.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 128 schoolchildren from Manzini and Lubombo Provinces was followed from 2019 to 2022. Stool samples were analyzed using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde (MIF) method. Structured interviews assessed hygiene behaviors and household factors. Logistic regression was used to identify associations with infection risk, reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Overall, IPI prevalence remained consistent (43.0% in 2019 vs. 42.2% in 2022), with protozoan infections predominating and helminth infections remaining low (1.6% in 2019 and 2.4% in 2022, respectively). In 2022, children with only one employed parent had significantly higher odds of IPIs (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI: 1.48-10.64; p=0.006) and pathogenic protozoan infections (aOR = 4.33; 95% CI: 1.41-13.27; p=0.01). Handwashing before meals was protective in 2019 (aOR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.58; p=0.01) but not significant in 2022. Notably, Giardia intestinalis infections declined, while Blastocystis hominis increased.

Conclusion

The stable infection rates and changing species composition suggest that pandemic-associated shifts in behavior and public health disruptions may have influenced IPIs' epidemiology. Continued surveillance and targeted hygiene interventions are needed to mitigate the burden of IPIs in schoolchildren.