Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Relationship between soil transmitted helminths, nutritional status and cognitive function among school children in
Daughter Jumbe1, Joyce Siwila2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
Insights
Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) are common in children, with higher prevalence in males and younger children. STH infection did not significantly impact cognitive function or nutritional status in this study.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) are a significant global health concern, particularly affecting school-aged children.
- STH infections are classified as Neglected Tropical Diseases, contributing to morbidity worldwide.
- Understanding the impact of STHs on child development is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Soil Transmitted Helminth infections and the nutritional status of school children.
- To determine the relationship between STH infections and cognitive impairment, specifically working memory and processing speed.
- To assess the prevalence of STHs in school children in Lusaka District.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 209 school children in Lusaka District.
- Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato Katz method to detect STH infections.
- Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), and cognitive function was evaluated through working memory and processing speed tests.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 4.8% for STHs was found, with Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm being the most common.
- STH prevalence was significantly higher in males (9.7%) and younger children aged 8-12 years (p<0.05).
- No significant association was observed between STH infection and nutritional status (BMI) or cognitive function (working memory, processing speed, academic scores).
Conclusions:
- Soil Transmitted Helminth infections are prevalent among school children in Lusaka District.
- Current STH infections in this cohort did not demonstrate a significant impact on nutritional status or cognitive function.
- Further large-scale research is recommended to definitively establish the influence of STH infection on BMI and cognitive development.
Abstract:
Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) are among the Neglected Tropical Diseases and are responsible for helminth infections worldwide, particularly in school aged children. This study was aimed at investigating the association of STHs with nutritional status and cognitive impairment among school children. A single stool sample was collected from each child from March to September 2022 from three public and one community schools in Lusaka District. The 209 total collected samples were processed using the Kato Katz method. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to determine nutritional status. The working memory and processing speed were used to assess cognitive function. Of the 209 collected samples, 10 (4.8%; 95%CI: 2.3-8.6) were positive for STHs. Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm were common parasites identified; Taenia spp, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercolaris were also identified, all with light infections. The prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males (9.7%; 7/72) compared to females (2.2%; 3/137) (p = 0.021). Younger children (8-12 years) had a higher prevalence (p = 0.022). Soil Transmitted Helminth infection had no influence on working memory and processing speed (p = 0.604) and on Mathematics and English scores attained by the children. Infection status was also not associated with nutritional status. STHs are prevalent in children. Further large-scale studies are required to establish whether infection status has significant influence on BMI and cognitive function.
More Related Videos
04:57Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
Published on: April 25, 2025
03:46Author Spotlight: Coproparasitoscopic Examination of Dog Stools for Control and Prevention of Zoonotic Parasite Diseases
Published on: December 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:30Information Processing Approach