ORIGINAL: Intestinal Helminthiasis: Risk factors and relationship with Nutritional status and Anaemia among Institutionalised Children in three States of South-East Nigeria

West Afr J Med. November 2023; 40 (11): 1262-1273 PMID: 38099563

Authors

  • M. O. Njoku Department of Paediatrics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria.
  • K. K. Iloh Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital/University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • C. O. Okike Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
  • G. C. Njoku Laboratory Scientist, Grace Gate Hospital and Maternity Ndufu Echara Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • O. N. Iloh Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital/University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • N. C. Ojinnaka Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital/University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Anaemia, Children, Helminths, Institutionalised, Nutritional Status

Abstract

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis occurs in sub-optimal living conditions with poor hygiene practices and is more prevalent in rural, suburban and institutionalized centres. Heavy helminthic burden negatively affects the nutritional status and the severity of anaemia among children living in orphanages.

Aim: To determine the risk factors and relationship of intestinal helminthiasis with nutritional status and anaemia among institutionalized children in three states of South-East Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over seven months involving 198 children recruited from orphanages in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states. Their stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz and Ether concentration techniques, and packed cell volume and anthropometric indices were documented. Data were analyzed.

Results: Of the 198 children, 109 (55.1%) were females with a median age of 2.5 years and interquartile range (3 months - 17 years). The prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 2.5%. Among the children that had intestinal helminthiasis, 4 (80%) had mono-parasitism with Ascaris lumbricoides, while 1 (20%) had mixed infestation of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. There was a significant association (p=0.01) between being infested with intestinal helminthiasis and caregiver handwashing practices. The anthropometric indices demonstrated that 5.6%, 6.6% and 13.1% of the children were underweight, wasted and stunted respectively. No helminth-infested child had malnutrition and only 1 (20%) infested child had moderate anaemia.

Conclusion: Caregivers' good handwashing practice was associated with reduced prevalence of intestinal infestations and should be encouraged. There was no relationship found between the presence of helminthic infestations and nutritional status or anaemia among the institutionalised children.

Published

2023-11-30

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 11 (2023): The West African Journal of Medicine

Section

Articles
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