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INTESTINAL PARASITES, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE,
Bolatito Opeyemi Olopade1, Clement Oluwaseun Idowu2, Adesola Olaniyan Oyelese1
1Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Insights
Intestinal parasites were found in 24% of primary school children, with open defecation identified as a risk factor. No link was found between parasite infection, nutritional status, and cognitive function in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Intestinal parasites pose a significant global health burden, particularly affecting children in developing nations.
- These infections are common pediatric health issues contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- This study investigated intestinal parasite prevalence, associated risk factors, and their impact on children's health and cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children.
- To identify risk factors associated with intestinal parasite infections.
- To assess the relationship between intestinal parasites, nutritional status, and cognitive function in pupils.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 384 primary school pupils in Ile-Ife.
- Data collection included anthropometric measurements, Draw-a-person intelligence quotient tests, and stool sample examinations.
- Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 17, employing frequencies, percentages, and Pearson's chi-square test.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 24%, with *Ascaris lumbricoides* being the most common (22.1%).
- Infections were associated with the use of bush and refuse dumps for defecation.
- While most pupils had normal nutritional status (95.8%), a significant portion (65.4%) exhibited mental deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasite infections are prevalent in primary school children, with poor sanitation practices being a key risk factor.
- No significant association was found between intestinal parasite infection, nutritional status, and cognitive function in the study population.
- Findings highlight the need for improved sanitation to reduce parasitic infections in school-aged children.
Background:
Intestinal parasites are a cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world particularly in developing countries and they are common health problems of children. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children, assessed risk factors predisposing to infection and the nutritional status with cognitive function of the pupils.
Materials And Methods:
It was a cross sectional study and 384 pupils from six public primary schools in Ile-Ife were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard procedures. The intelligence quotients of the pupils were assessed using the Draw-a-person- test. Stool samples were collected and examined. Data was processed using SPSS Inc USA version 17. Statistical analysis was done using frequency, percentages, tables and Pearson's chi-square was used to determine the association between intestinal parasites, nutritional status and cognitive function.
Results:
The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study population was 24% with double infection occurring in 3.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides most prevalent 22.1%, Hookworm 3.4%, Hymenolepis nana 0.3%. Intestinal parasites were present in those that use bush and refuse dump for defeacation. The nutritional status of the pupils showed 95.8% normal weight, 3.6% underweight and 0.5% overweight. In terms of cognition, 65.4% mentally deficient, 14.3% mentally dull and 20.3% average.
Conclusion:
Intestinal parasites were prevalent among primary school children and use of bush or refuse dump for defeacation was a risk factor. There was no association between intestinal parasites, nutritional status and cognition.
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