Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most prevalent illnesses worldwide. The morbidity associated with IPIs results in health and economic burdens for billions of people worldwide, especially in low‐income nations. Increasing urbanization in Nepal has resulted in the formation of squatter communities in urban centers. These communities often face a disproportionate burden of health issues due to the quality of their living environment. This study aims to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for IPIs in the squatter community of Butwal, Nepal.Methods: A total of 170 individuals were recruited for a cross‐sectional study via convenience sampling. Information pertaining to demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors was obtained via structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and direct witnessing during the field visit. Stool samples (n = 170) were examined for intestinal parasite eggs and oocysts via direct wet mount and concentration techniques.Results: Overall, the prevalence of parasites was 28.8% (5.3% protozoa, 24.7% helminths). Six species of intestinal parasites were detected. Ascaris lumbricoides (21.2%) was the most dominant helminthic parasite, followed by Trichuris trichiura (2.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.8%), Giardia lamblia (1.8%), and hookworm (1.8%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that participants who did not trim their nails once a week were more prone to getting a parasitic infection.Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of IPIs among participating residents of the Butwal slum may contribute to an increased risk of IPI transmission due to inadequate hygiene behaviors. Among the participants in this study, more than one quarter stated that they do not trim their nails every week, and approximately one‐fifth indicated open defecation. Standardized health education regarding the benefits of hand and nail hygiene behaviors may contribute positively in reducing the parasitic burden and interrupting the chain of transmission in developing urban areas such as Butwal.

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPs) remain a major health concern in low‐income countries, particularly among school‐aged children. Nepal's national deworming program, launched in 2004, has significantly improved in controlling GIPs, yet they persist in many areas. This review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence and temporal trends of GIPs among schoolchildren in Nepal. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and regional databases were searched for studies published between 2004 and 2022, reporting the prevalence of GIPs among children aged 5–17 years. Studies providing information on sample size, location, and clear diagnostic methods were considered eligible for analysis. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random‐effects model (DerSimonian–Laird) with logit transformation. Heterogeneity ( I ² , τ ² ) and temporal trends (meta‐regression) were assessed. Results: Twenty‐five studies comprising 17,628 stool samples were included, of which 7091 (40.2%) tested positive for GIPs. The pooled prevalence was 28.6% (95% CI: 21.7%–36.7%), with substantial heterogeneity. Prevalence declined significantly over time (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.41–0.81), from 43.4% (2004–2010) to 24.2% (2010–2016), followed by a slight increase to 28.4% (2016–2022). Prevalence was similar by sex, with approximately 12.7%, and urban areas had a slightly higher prevalence (29.0%) than did rural areas (27.9%). Helminth infections (20.0%) were more common than protozoans (9.9%), and in 7.7% (95% CI: 5.6%–9.7%) of the children, polyparasitism was recorded. Conclusion: GIPs among Nepalese schoolchildren have declined notably over the past two decades but remain a persistent concern. Continued disparities highlight the need for sustained deworming, sanitation, and region‐specific monitoring.

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) impair livestock productivity and impose economic burdens on farmers. Buffaloes are central to Nepal’s dairy sector, yet comparative data on GIP burden across farming systems remain limited. Objective: This study investigates GIP prevalence and associated risk factors in buffaloes under commercial and subsistence farming systems in Butwal submetropolitan city, Nepal, an area of rapidly expanding dairy production. Methods: From July to September 2023, 224 fecal samples (112 per farming system) were collected from female buffaloes aged ≥ 3 years. Samples were examined microscopically using flotation and sedimentation techniques, and management and environmental factors were captured through structured questionnaires and field observations. Logistic regression identified predictors of infection. Results: Overall, 58.9% of samples contained oocysts or eggs of one or more GIP. The identified parasites included three protozoa ( Entamoeba spp., Balantidium spp., and coccidian), three nematodes ( Strongyloides spp., Toxocara spp., and Haemonchus spp.), and three trematodes ( Fasciola spp., Paramphistomum spp., and Schistosoma spp.). Fasciola spp. (30.8%) and Entamoeba spp. (26.3%) were most prevalent. Commercial farms had significantly higher nematode infections (10.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.029), while subsistence farms showed slightly higher protozoan infections (33.9% vs. 25.9%). Free‐ranging rearing (aOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.15–8.43) and irregular health checkups (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.05–8.12) were strongly associated with infections. The presence of other free‐range animals and wallowing also influenced infection patterns. Conclusion: The substantial GIP burden and system‐specific risk factors highlight the need for improved parasite management. Enhanced deworming, better grazing practices, and farmer education may help reduce infections and improve buffalo productivity.

Background/Objectives: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally widespread contaminants linked to adverse health outcomes, including immune dysregulation. We aimed to characterize PFAS exposure among adolescents in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Chitwan District, Nepal, during September–October 2023, enrolling 73 adolescents from the Chitwan Birth Cohort. Methods: Dried blood spots from 48 participants were analyzed for 45 PFAS by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Sociodemographic and contextual behavioral covariates information (e.g., water source and local fish consumption) were collected via questionnaire. We used linear regression to analyze the association between contextual behavioral covariates and PFAS concentrations. Results: PFOS was detected in 46% of samples, followed by PFNA (25%) and PFOA (12.5%); other PFAS were rarely detected. Participants who consumed locally caught fish more than once per month had significantly higher PFOS levels (β = 0.35, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Frequent fish intake was the only factor significantly associated with PFAS levels, suggesting a dietary exposure pathway. This study provides the first documentation of PFAS exposure among Nepalese adolescents, revealing low-level exposures. Findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of environmental contaminants in vulnerable populations.