Deterioration of School Performance as a Consequence of Parasitic Infestation in Menoufiya Governorate

Abstract

AbstractBackground: Worm infestation is a major problem in children from developing countries due to bad hygienic conditions. It produces nutritional deficiencies and anemia in children, especially when hookworm infestation is present. Infections impair children's growth and development. Studies have shown associations between helminthes infection and under nutrition, iron deficiency anemia, stunted growth, and poor school attendance.Aim of Study: This study aims to assess the relation between parasitic infestation in primary school children and its effect on school performance.Patients and Methods: The nutritional state of children was assessed by anthropometric measures, clinical examination and laboratory investigation such as hemoglobin (HB) level. The parasitic infestation was assessed by stool and urine analysis, also school performance was assessed by Intelligence quotient (IQ), school achievement and school attendance. Study done from the end of August 2016 to the end of No-vember 2018 in Shebin El-Kom Center and Berkit Sabaa Village, Menoufiya Governorate.Results: This study showed high prevalence of parasitic infestation in rural 67.5% than urban 58.5% with high preva-lence of entameba histolytica , ascaris, giardia, oxyuris, mixed infection while hymenolepis nana, tricuris tricura, anclystoma duodenale. Strongyloides stercoralis and schistsoma mansoni present only in rural with low incidence. There was no statis-tical significant difference between urban and rural school children regarding anthropometric measures including (body weight, height and head circumference) and between infected and non infected except for weight, there was statistical significant difference between non infected children compared to infected. Also there was statistically significant difference in hemoglobin level between urban compared to rural and between infected children compared to non infected as the prevalence of anemia was a higher in rural compared to urban and among infected children compared to non infected. There was statistical significant difference in school performance parameters including (I.Q level and school achievement) between urban compared to rural and infected children com-pared to non infected students.Conclusions: It is evident that there is correlation between parasitic infestation and poor children cognitive function (school performance) and growth.Recommendations: All members dealing with children such as, teachers, pediatric clinics and family physician in family health units and centers for eradication and treatment of all affected children with parasite should be integrated to improve children school performance. Programs for prevention and control of parasitic infection and school performance disorders must be prioritized.