Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Nutritional Status among Preschool Children of Canitoan

This study is about the incidence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI’s) of Canitoan preschool children and their nutritional status. Body mass index (BMI) as to children’s height and weight were assessed. The relationship between IPI’s and nutritional status were further tested.  One hundred and two preschoolers participated in the study. Data were gathered through a researcher made modified pre-tested questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined by Direct Fecal Smear to assess intestinal parasitic infection. The data were statistically treated using frequency, percentage, and correlation coefficient analysis. Overall, the incidence of intestinal parasitism among preschool children was low. Eleven percent of the one hundred and two respondents were positive for parasites. From the study, it was evident that Ascaris lumbricoides known as intestinal roundworm was the common parasite seen in the fecal sample. As to the nutritional status of preschoolers, most of them were classified as having normal or healthy weight in reference to their BMI-for-age. Correlation coefficient analysis and probability level of the test showed that body mass index has moderate/slight relationship to intestinal parasitic infection. A light degree of parasitism was noted in this study.

 

Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections, nutritional status, preschool children