Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Meta-analysis and public policy: Reconciling the evidence on deworming
Kevin Croke1, Joan Hamory2, Eric Hsu3
1Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115.
Abstract:
The WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA) for intestinal worm infections in areas with over 20% infection prevalence. Recent Cochrane meta-analyses endorse treatment of infected individuals but recommend against MDA. We conducted a theory-agnostic random-effects meta-analysis of the effect of multiple-dose MDA and a cost-effectiveness analysis. We estimate significant effects of MDA on child weight (0.15 kg, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.24; P < 0.001), mid-upper arm circumference (0.20 cm, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.37; P = 0.02), and height (0.09 cm, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.16; P = 0.02) when prevalence is over 20% but not on Hb (0.06 g/dL, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.14; P = 0.1). These results suggest that MDA is a cost-effective intervention, particularly in the settings where it is recommended by the WHO.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Regulation
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy

