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Effect of ascariasis upon nutritional status of children
1Human Nutrition Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
Insights
Ascariasis, a common roundworm infection, significantly stunts growth in children, leading to shorter height and reduced mid-arm circumference. Community nutrition programs should include regular deworming to combat malnutrition where ascariasis is prevalent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Ascariasis (roundworm infection) is a widespread helminthic disease affecting children globally.
- Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in many communities where parasitic infections are endemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ascariasis on the physical growth of young children.
- To provide evidence for the integration of deworming into nutritional interventions.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 100 children with a history of ascariasis to 100 matched controls (age, sex, socioeconomic status, birth order).
- Anthropometric measurements including height, mid-arm circumference, and weight were recorded.
Main Results:
- Children with ascariasis were significantly shorter (2.1 cm) and had smaller mid-arm circumference (0.6 cm) compared to controls (P < 0.005).
- A trend towards lower weight was observed in children with ascariasis, though not statistically significant.
- Ascariasis was associated with measurable deficits in key physical growth parameters.
Conclusions:
- Ascariasis significantly contributes to malnutrition in coexisting communities.
- Periodic deworming is recommended as part of community nutrition programs in ascariasis-prevalent areas.
- Future research should incorporate detailed anthropometric and demographic data collection.
Abstract:
One hundred children aged 24-72 months who had history of passing roundworms during the preceding 12 months were compared with 100 children without such history. The two groups were matched for age, sex, economic status, and birth order. Children who had ascaris were 2.1 cm shorter in height, 0.6 cm, thinner for mid-arm circumference, and 0.38 kg lighter in weight compared to the children who did not pass ascaris. The first two of these differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.005). It is concluded that: 1. ascariasis contributes significantly to malnutrition in communities where both coexist; 2. periodic deworming should form part of community nutrition programmes in areas where ascariasis is common; 3. future studies of a similar nature should include recording of height, arm circumference, and birth order.