The Association Between Major Helminth Infections (Soil-Transmitted Helminthes and Schistosomiasis) and Anemia Among School Children in Shimbit Elementary School, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Helminthic infections contribute to iron-deficiency anemia among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Children and women of the reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia exacerbated by parasitic infection. Studies investigating magnitude of major helminthic infections and anemia and also their association are less in this study area. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of major helminthic infections and anemia and also measure their association among school children. Methods: a cross-sectional parasitological and hematological study was conducted on 360 school children in Shimbit Elementary School, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected and processed using Kato-Katz for microscopic examination. Blood sample was examined using Hemocue to determine the hemoglobin level. Some Socio-demographic and risk factor data were also collected from every study participant using structured questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of helminthic infection and anemia was 27.5% and 25.8%, respectively. Ascaris lumbericiodes 12.5% and 960 epg, hookworms 7.2% and 102.5 epg, Trichuris trichiura 6.1% and 150 epg, Schstosoma mansoni 2.8% and 36 epg, 0.5% of the children were positive for double infections ( Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm). Conclusion: Moderately high prevalence of helminthic infections and anemia was of moderate public health significance. Poor sanitary conditions were the major factors for helminthic infections and there was a strong association between anemia and presence of helminthes, especially with hookworm infections (P=0.00). Personal hygiene and good environmental sanitations is the mainstay to control helminthes infections.