The Effectiveness of Treating Worm Infestation with Medication and Education

Worm infestation is commonly seen in children, had reduced intake of food, retarded in growth rate, cognitive abilities, maldigestion, malabsorption and disturbed metabolism.

To evaluate (a) the prevalence of worm infestation, (b) nutritional status (c) knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to worm infestation, (d) asses the effectiveness of deworming, and (e) health education among school children.

Pre experimental, one group pre test-post test design was adopted. Four hundred children, between the ages of 9–10 years were recruited by convenient sampling technique.

Municipal elementary schools in India.

Nutritional status, KAP, perianal swab and stool samples were assessed before and after treatment with tablet albendazole 400 mg, tablet ferrous iron 20mg, folic acid 0.1mg and health education on worm infestation. Stool examination was done by using Kato Katz technique.

Overall prevalence of worm infestation was 51%, of which round worm infestation accounted for 28% of the pre test cases, hook worm infestation was 18% and pin worm infestation was 5%. Multiple worm infestation was also observed. Children were appropriately treated. In post test, 4% round worm infestation, 4% hook worm infestation and 1% pin worm infestation was found. Intervention showed significant improvement in nutritional status and health education (P<0.001).

Deworming, iron supplements and health education proved to reduce the prevalence of worm infestation and in turn improved the nutritional status of children.