Study of the Association of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis with Malnutrition and Anemia among School Children, Debub Achefer District, Northwest Ethiopia
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infections are the major public health problems in many developing
countries including Ethiopia. STHs are one of the major factors that cause malnutrition and anemia. This
study was aimed to investigate the associations of intestinal STHs with malnutrition and anemia among
school children. A cross‐sectional study was carried out and 384 schoolchildren were chosen using
stratified sampling technique enrolled in the study, Debub Achefer District, Northwest Ethiopia from
February to March, 2010. Structured questionnaires were administered to gather relevant information
on demographic and socioeconomic data. Stool samples were processed for microscopic examinations
using Kato‐Katz method. Weight and height were taken using a digital portable weighing calibrated
SECA scale with a sliding headpiece. Epi Info version 6 software was employed to evaluate
anthropometric parameters. The NCHS growth chart reference was used to estimate the prevalence of
underweight/thinness among 9‐14 years school children. Hemoglobin was determined using Hemocue
HB 201 analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 15. Binary logistic
regression analysis (OR) was used to determine association of STH with malnutrition and
anemia, whereas Pearson chi‐square test was applied to compare proportions. The overall point
prevalence of STH infection in the study area was 54.9%, single, double, and triple infections being
45.8%, 8.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris
trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana infections were 46.9%, 13.8%, 2.3%, 1%, and
0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition in terms of stunting, underweight and wasting were
12.2%, 30.7% and 17.9%, respectively. The overall prevalence of anemia was 17.2%. The findings
showed that there was no statistically significant association between STH infections and malnutrition
(P>0.05). However, there was significant association between STH infections and anemia (P<0.05). The
present study showed that STH infections, malnutrition, and anemia were highly prevalent. Hookworm
infections were considered as the main causes of anemia among schoolchildren in the study area.
Nevertheless, no association was observed between STH infections and malnutrition. Mass drug
administration is recommended for STHs together with school feeding programs, health education on
proper personal and environmental hygiene practices.
Key words/phrases: Anemia, Debub Achefer District, Ethiopia, Malnutrition, School children, STH
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Keywords
Anemia, Debub Achefer District, Ethiopia, Malnutrition, School children, STH