BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widespread in underdeveloped countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence and distribution of helminth infection varies by different exposing risk factors. We therefore investigated the prevalence of and risk factors of STHs infection in school children living in Ambo town, west Shoa Ethiopia.MethodsIn 2014/15, among 375 school children planed to be included in this study, only 321 school children were recruited in the study. Data onto school children from different schools were collected, including stool samples for qualitative STHs analysis. Questionnaire data on various demographic, housing and lifestyle variables were also available.ResultsPrevalence of any STHs infection was 12.6%. The respective prevalence of major soil-transmitted helminths is Ascaris (7.8%), Hookworm (2.8%) and Trichuris (2.2%). This study result shows STHs prevalence varies regards to age, sex, latrine use, family size and nail trimming.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicated that the percentage of positive finding for STHs in Ambo area is low. Besides, Large Family size, not nail trimming and unavailability of improved latrine were identified as predisposing factor for STHs infections. All school children enrolled and not enrolled in this study should be treated twice a year until the prevalence falls below the level of public health importance.

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Unimproved sanitation facilities and open defecation practices are common factors for the occurrence of excreta related infections (ERIs) in Ethiopia. These diseases can easily be controlled if every person uses a properly constructed and improved latrine system. Hence, the objective of this review is to assess the current status of ERIs and the role of latrines to control the transmission. Excreta related infections were high in burden as compared to the global situation. This is directly related to the access and use of improved sanitation facilities. In Ethiopia only 27% of the current population has access to improved latrines, which is below the expected outcome. Moreover, the reports showed inter-urban and urban-rural disparities in access to improved latrines. Reduction of ERIs morbidity was reported in different studies after latrine construction. In conclusion, it is already obvious that escalation of latrine coverage and awareness to the society about sanitation, maintenance of latrines improve the burden of these infections. Hence, government concerned bodies, health extension programmers and the society together should work to reduce sanitary related disease by scale up low cost sanitary technologies.