Intestinal parasitoses and the nutritional status of Veddah children in Sri Lanka.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
;
2004 Jun; 35(2): 255-9
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-33173
ABSTRACT
This study describes and compares the intestinal parasitoses and nutritional statuses of primary school children of Veddah (local indigenous population) and Sinhalese (more advanced society) in rural Sri Lanka. Children attending years 1-3 (age range 6-15 years) at Dambana Primary School (Veddah) and Wewatta Primary School (Sinhalese) were included in the study. Stools and blood samples were examined for evidence of intestinal parasites and anemia. The heights and weights of the children were measured and anthropometric indices calculated. There was a high prevalence of G. intestinalis and B. hominis (Giardia 7.8% and 6.2%; Blastocystis 17.2% and 17.3% at Dambana and Wewatta, respectively) in both communities, the predominant helminth being N. americanus (20.3% at Dambana and 14.8% at Wewatta; p>0.05). Other geohelminth infections were scarce in both communities. A greater proportion of boys than girls were underweight and stunted in both communities. Wasting and anemia was significantly high among the Veddah children.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Sri Lanka
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Child
/
Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
/
Anthropometry
/
Rural Health
/
Nutritional Status
/
Prevalence
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Year:
2004
Type:
Article
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