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Prevalence of intestinal helminths, anemia, and malnutrition in Paucartambo, Peru.

Authors :
Cabada, Miguel M.
Goodrich, Mary R.
Graham, Brittany
Villanueva-Meyer, Pablo G.
Deichsel, Emily L.
Lopez, Martha
Arque, Eulogia
White Jr., A. Clinton
Source :
Pan American Journal of Public Health / Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública. Feb2015, Vol. 37 Issue 2, p69-75. 7p.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, anemia, and malnutrition among children in the Paucartambo province of Cusco region, Peru, in light of demographic, socio-economic, and epidemiologic contextual factors. Methods. Children from three to twelve years old from six communities in Huancarani district in the highlands of Peru were evaluated for helminth infections, anemia, and nutritional status. Data collected included demographic variables, socioeconomic status, exposures, complete blood counts, and direct and sedimentation stool tests. Results. Of 240 children analyzed, 113 (47%) were infected with one or more parasites. Giardia (27.5%) and Fasciola (9.6%) were the most commonly identified organisms. Eosinophilia was encountered in 21% of the children. Anemia (48.8%) was associated with age (3-4 vs 5-12 years old; odds ratio (OR): 5.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.81-12.21). Underweight (10%) was associated with male sex (OR: 5.97; CI: 1.12-31.72), higher eosinophil count (OR: 4.67; CI: 1.31-16.68) and education of the mother (OR: 0.6; CI: 0.4-0.9). Stunting (31.3%) was associated with education of the mother (OR: 0.83; CI: 0.72-0.95); wasting (2.7%) was associated with higher eosinophil count (OR: 2.75; CI: 1.04-7.25). Conclusions. Anemia and malnutrition remain significant problems in the Peruvian highlands. These findings suggest that demographic factors, socio-economic status, and possibly parasitic infections intertwine to cause these health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10204989
Volume :
37
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Pan American Journal of Public Health / Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
102611134