Article Sidebar
Article Details
Issue
Section
Articles
Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the journal.
Main Article Content
Intestinal Worms And Nutritional Status Of Under–Fives In Jos, Nigeria: Any Relationship?
Abstract
Objective: This study was carried out in Naraguta village a periurban settlement in November, 1999 to determine the relationship between nutritional status and intestinal helminthiasis.
Method; A total of 256 children aged 12- 56 months were studied. The subjects were selected through a house – to house visit. Their weight, and stool samples were collected and analyzed. Relevant information were provided by their by their mothers
Results: Out of the 256 children recruited 85 (33.2%) had intestinal parasites with Ascaris lumbricoides occurring most frequently (10.2%) This was followed by a mixed infection of Ascarriasis and hookworm (5.5%). out of the 85 infested children 49 (57.6%) were underweight, 56 (65.9%) stunted and 72 (84.7%) wasted. There was statistically significant association between intestinal worm infection and weight – for – height measurements.
Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal of intestinal worms in the studied community was considered high. Mass de – worming of under fives in this community was suggested as one of the measures that will enhance their nutritional status.
Key Words: Nutritional status, household, under fives, helminthiasis.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 79-81
Method; A total of 256 children aged 12- 56 months were studied. The subjects were selected through a house – to house visit. Their weight, and stool samples were collected and analyzed. Relevant information were provided by their by their mothers
Results: Out of the 256 children recruited 85 (33.2%) had intestinal parasites with Ascaris lumbricoides occurring most frequently (10.2%) This was followed by a mixed infection of Ascarriasis and hookworm (5.5%). out of the 85 infested children 49 (57.6%) were underweight, 56 (65.9%) stunted and 72 (84.7%) wasted. There was statistically significant association between intestinal worm infection and weight – for – height measurements.
Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal of intestinal worms in the studied community was considered high. Mass de – worming of under fives in this community was suggested as one of the measures that will enhance their nutritional status.
Key Words: Nutritional status, household, under fives, helminthiasis.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 79-81
