Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status of school children in government elementary schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children.

METHODS

School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, being the most common parasite identified followed by . Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7-9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5-8.0). infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0-44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children.

CONCLUSION

Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.