ASSOCIATION OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS WITH ANEMIA AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN IN AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and anemia are common conditions among children, especiallyin developing countries. Schoolchildren are particularly susceptible to these conditions, which canaffect their school performance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs andanemia among schoolchildren in Amran Governorates, north of Yemen, and to investigate the associationbetween the two conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 school-childrenaged 7-15 years in primary schools, Amran Governorate from January to February 2023.Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples werecollected, processed and examined for parasites. Hemoglobin level was also measured using a portablehemoglobin meter. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association of sociodemographiccharacteristics and anemia with IPIs at P-values <0.05. The prevalence of IPIs among schoolchildrenwas 57.4%, with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (35.7%) the most common, followed by Giardialamblia (25.2%) and then Hymenolepis nana (13%). However, a few children were infected withEnterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris trichiura. Most children were monoinfected(66.7%), followed by those with two parasite species (30.3%). But, anemia was prevalentamong 17.4% of children. There was no significant association between IPIs and sociodemographiccharacteristics of children. However, anemia was significantly associated with IPIs (odds ratio = 6.7,95% confidence interval: 2.52–17.87; P <0.001).