Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Primary School Students in Tehran

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infections in children can negatively impact their growth, health, nutrition status, and cognitive development. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate intestinal parasitic infection and its relationship with the nutritional status of primary school students in Tehran in 2020. Methods: The current study was conducted on 250 samples collected by the available sampling method from 2 selected residential settlements in Tehran. The samples were tested using both direct and formalin ether concentration (sedimentation) methods. The nutritional status of participants was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test. A significant level was considered 0.05. Results: Of the 250 student samples surveyed, 45 exhibited parasitic infection. In terms of nutrition, 18 cases were malnourished, 212 cases were exposed to malnutrition, and 20 cases had normal nutrition. The frequency of parasitic infection was higher in malnourished students (P < 0.05). It was also higher in students whose parents' education levels (especially the mother) were lower. Conclusions: It seems that parasitic infections are associated with students’ nutritional status and their parent education.