Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Enterobius vermicularis infections in primary school children in Edremit district of Balıkesir Province, located in the west of Turkey.

Methods: In April-June 2023, cellophane-tape preparations were prepared from 424 students, 218 girls and 206 boys, in 11 primary schools. These preparations were examined microscopically for E. vermicularis eggs.

Results: In the study the prevalence of E. vermicularis was found to be 6.13%. Enterobiasis was detected in 45.46% of schools. Enterobiasis was determined as 5.50% in girls and 6.80% in boys (p>0.05). Regarding the prevalence of the parasite; it was found to be higher in second grade students (11.11%) and eight-year-old children (12.87%) (p<0.05). It was determined that pinworm infections were 3.23% of those with low economic income and 7.90% of those with middle income, and parental education level was not significant in the incidence of E. vermicularis (p>0.05). It was determined that the risk factors such as mother’s employment status, housing characteristics and number of individuals in the house did not differ in case of parasite occurrence (p>0.05). Clinically, pinworms were found at a higher rate in those who showed symptoms of drooling from the mouth, teeth grinding and loss of appetite while sleeping at night (p<0.05). E. vermicularis eggs were detected in 23.44% of those with perianal itching and 2.93% of those without perianal itching (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was determined that primary schools in Edremit country of Balıkesir province, located in a region with a high socio-economic level, were significantly infected with E. vermicularis.