Relationship of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition among school children in Makurdi, Benue State - Nigeria

Malnutrition and intestinal parasitic infections are common public health problems of children in developing countries. Malnutrition is typically caused by a combination of inadequate food intake and infection which impairs the body’s ability to absorb or assimilate food. Anthropometric measurements with regards to W.H.O standard consisting of height and weight were taken using tape measure on a wooden stick and weighing scale respectively. The body mass index (B.M.I) was determined by dividing the weight in kilogram by the squared value of the height in metre. Examinations of stool specimens were done using direct smear examination and sedimentation and flotation techniques. The nutritional status and parasitosis was studied in 569 (272 male and 297 female) school children aged 10 to 18 years. 330 (57.99%) of the samples were found positive for various intestinal parasites with hookworm species accounting for the highest 173 (52.24%) and Schistosoma mansoni the lowest 3 (0.9%). The relationship between the prevalence and the nutritional status of the children showed that 247 (74.84%) of the infected children are malnourished (P 0.05) of malnutrition between infected and non–infected children. The study confirmed that malnutrition and parasitosis were important child health problems. Therefore, it is recommended that the local health sectors should make provision for regular examination and treatment for intestinal parasitic infections among school children in Makurdi.