The relationship between the intensity of common soil-transmitted intestinal helminthiasis and nutritional status among schoolchildren of Miagao-West Central Elementary School (MWCES), Miagao, Iloilo

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the intensity of infection of common soil-transmitted intestinal helminths (STH): Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm species (Ancylostoma duodeuale and Necator americamus) and nutritional status among schoolchildren of Miag-ao West Central Elementary School (MWCES). This study also aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infection and nutritional status, either stunted or underweight schoolchildren. There were 285 study participants out of 436 schoolchildren of Miag-ao West Central Elementary School. Stool samples of the study participants were analyzed using Modified Kato-Katz Technique to determine the intensity of infections. The study participants were grouped according to the intensity of infection: negative, light and moderate to heavy. Nutritional status of the study participants was also determined and was classified into stunted, underweight and normal. Height-for-age value was used to determine stunting and weight-for-age value to determine those who are underweight. Frequency count was used for the descriptive analysis of the data gathered. The Chi-square test for association was used in the inferential statistics. The result of the study reveals that 51.2 % of the respondents were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, 36.5 % with Trichuris trichiura and 4.9 % with hookworm. The findings also show that 16 8 % of the respondents were stunted and 27.4 % were underweight. Finally, study reveals that there is no significant relationship between the nutritional status and the intensity of infection of common soil- transmitted intestinal helminths among the schoolchildren of Miag-ao West Central Elementary School (p= 0 706)