Hookworm infection has long been associated with iron deficiency and anemia among school-age children. WHO recommendations do not currently include children under five in anthelminthic campaigns in spite of the potential nutritional consequences of hookworm infection among this age group. The objective of this study is to examine the associations between hookworm infection and nutritional status among pre-school children in rural Africa. We collected stool samples, hemoglobin levels, anthropometric data and various demographic variables from a random sample of 200 children between 6 and 59 months of age living in the rural areas around Ekwendeni, Malawi. Only 1% of the children (n=2) surveyed were found to be infected with hookworm, while 90% (n=180) of the children had hemoglobin levels below the WHO cut-off for anemia for African children of this age group (Hb<110g/L). Stunting was particularly prevalent among this sample, with 48.5% (n=97) of the children with a height-for-age Z-score less than -2. Due to its low prevalence, hookworm infection was not found to be associated with anemia among the children in this sample. Other variables that were associated with anemia among this age group were the age of the child (p=0.0002), wasting (p=0.0021), and higher parity of the mother (p=0.0002). The results of this study show that hookworm infection is not a significant cause of anemia among the study population. However, the very high prevalence of anemia among children under five in rural Malawi suggests that new avenues for improving the iron status of this age group should be explored.
Learning Objectives: The primary learning objectives of this project was to learn how to apply data collection and analysis skills learned in class to field research. This project also provided experience in program evaluation, collaboration with various institutions and living and working in a developing setting
Keywords: Anemia,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.