Risk factors for intestinal parasitosis, anaemia, and malnutrition among school children in Ethiopia

Abstract

Research on associated risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition in various geographic regions is needed for the development of appropriate control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia, and malnutrition in school children, living in urban and rural areas of northern Ethiopia. Six hundred school children, aged 6-15 years, were randomly selected in a cross-sectional survey from 12 primary schools. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. Faecal samples were examined using direct, concentration, and the Kato-Katz methods. Urine specimens were analysed for Schistosoma haematobium ova. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 72% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66-76%). The prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and thinness were 11% (95% CI: 8-13%), 35% (95% CI: 31-38%), and 34% (95% CI: 30-38%), respectively. Poor personal hygiene habits were generally associated with anaemia and nutritional deficiency (low body mass index). Multivariate logistic regression models related Schistosoma mansoni infection with boys. Boys were also more likely to be malnourished. Hookworm infection was associated with anaemia and unhygienic finger nails. Access to clean water and latrines, with some hygiene and sanitation communication activities, could improve health of children in Ethiopia. The use of smartphone technology in demographic data collection proved to be successful. The potential advantage offered by this technology for parasitological field surveys merits further investigation.

Anemia and associated factors among school-age children in Filtu Town, Somali region, Southeast Ethiopia

“…No similar study was obtained to compare our finding with; however, 11% prevalence was reported from Northern part of Ethiopia [15]. The larger regional variation might be due to differences in geographical variation and differences in life style.…”

Socio‐cultural and economic determinants and consequences of adolescent undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in LLMICs: a systematic narrative review

“…Migration from a rural to an urban area in Senegal was positively associated with HAZ and WHZ . Finally, two studies reported the adverse effects of poor personal hygiene practices on stunting and underweight …”

“…Generally, increasing age was found to be a risk factor for anemia, vitamin D deficiency, and folate deficiency among male and female adolescents. Likewise, studies in Nigeria, India, and South Korea found increasing age to be inversely associated with plasma retinol, Hb, and serum 25(OH)D, respectively, for both sexes.…”

“…73 Finally, two studies reported the adverse effects of poor personal hygiene practices on stunting and underweight. 63,74 Regarding the labor trajectory, working and especially workload was associated with undernutrition. 43,51 However, a study in Nepal showed that HA was positively associated with time spent in heavy work, 75 and an Ethiopian study found that working was positively associated with HA and WHZ.…”

Handwashing and nail clipping reduce risk of intestinal parasite infection in school-age children

“…The importance of this study is that it rigorously assessed the impact of simple hygiene measures on the incidence of new infection and anaemia in the study population. Prior RCTs have assessed the impact of handwashing on diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections among children in developing countries1 and there have been observational studies on the relationship of hygiene with parasitic infection 2 3…”