This might be explained by the improper usage and poor quality, of the latrines. Use of unprotected water favours intestinal parasitic infection. However, in this study, Even though high percentage of parasitosis was found among those who used unprotected water, the result was not statistically significant. This might be attributed to the use of different sources of water at the same time and seasonal variation to the accessibility of the sources. This indicates lack of knowledge for the use of shoes to protect from hookworm infection.
Hookworm causes anaemia, and so, it needs great attention.
To alleviate this prevailing health problem of the country, it requires multidisciplinary effort. The decision-makers should mobilize the community to improve health facilities and for the provision of adequate and safe water supply. The health workers should concentrate on teaching the most elementary but important sanitary procedures. Acknowledgements This study was financially supported by the Research and Publication Office of Jimma Institute of Health Sciences. Tedla S. Introduction to Parasitology, Addis Ababa University Press, Addis Ababa, 1986.