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INTESTINAL PARASITES, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG PUPILS IN ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE
Abstract
This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children, assessed risk factors predisposing to the development of infection by intestinal parasites. It also assessed the nutritional status and the cognitive function of the pupils. The study was a cross sectional study and 384 pupils that were randomly selected from six public primary schools in Ile-Ife Central Local Government from April to July 2014 enrolled for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of OAUTHC. Questionnaires were administered to obtain relevant demographic information. Anthropometric measurements including heights and weights were obtained using standard procedures. The Intelligence quotients of the pupils were assessed using the Draw-a-person- test according to Ziler. Stool samples were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically. Data entry and processing were done using Microsoft excel and computer software SPSS Inc USA version 17. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study population was 24% with double infection occurring in 3.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (22.1%) followed by hookworm (3.4%) and then Hymenolepsis nana (0.3%). Intestinal parasites were most likely to be present in those that use bush and refuse dump as a means of toilet facility. Assessment of the nutritional status of the pupils showed that 95.8% were normal weight, 3.6% underweight and 0.5% overweight. In terms of cognitive assessment, 65.4% of the pupils were mentally deficient, 14.3% were mentally dull and 20.3% were average. There was no significant association between intestinal parasites and nutritional status and intestinal parasites and cognitive function. Intestinal parasites were as at the time of the study prevalent among primary school children and use of bush or refuse dump as a means of toilet facility was a risk factor. There was no association between intestinal parasites, nutritional status and cognition.
