Evidence of reduced academic performance among school children with helminth infection independent of nutritional status

Abstract

Background Soil transmitted helminths (STH) pose a formidable health risk to school-age children in resource-limited settings. Unfortunately, mass deworming campaigns have been derailed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study assessed the cross-sectional associations between STH, nutritional status and academic performance of school children in the Banda District of Ghana. Methods School children (5–16 years) (n=275) were recruited through both school and household visits by community health workers using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Weight and height measurements were taken for anthropometry, as well as stool microscopy. Results Prevalence of geo-helminthiasis was 40.4% (95% CI: 34.6% - 46.2%). STH targeted for elimination by the world health organizations and national programmes were detected among school children. Children with intestinal parasite infection (53.7±11.5) had lower mean academic scores compared to uninfected children (59.6±16.9) (p=0.034). In multiple regression, intestinal parasite infection status and z-scores for weight-for-age showed a collective significant effect on academic score (F (1,117) =8.169, p<0.001, R2=.125). Conclusion School children with STH had poorer academic performance compared to uninfected children, in spite of their nutritional status. In addition to school-feeding programmes, school-based mass drug administration campaigns may be critical for improving learning outcomes in young school children.

Intestinal Helminth Infection, Anemia, Undernutrition and Academic Performance among School Children in Northwestern Ethiopia

“…In this study, intestinal helminth infection was correlated with low academic performance. Studies in South Africa, Ghana and Egypt also showed lower academic performance in children infected with soil transmitted helminths compared to their non infected counterparts [ 25 , 26 , 52 ]. A meta-analysis of 15 studies also reported lower scholastic achievement/academic scores among children infected with Schistosoma and/or those not dewormed with praziquantel compared to uninfected ones [ 15 ].…”

“…In addition, study findings on the relationship of helminth infection with undernutrition, anemia, and poor academic performance are mixed. While some studies reported increased risk of anemia [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], undernutrition [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], and poor academic performance [ 25 , 26 , 27 ] in children infected with helminths, several studies reported lack of relationship between infection with these parasites and anemia [ 28 , 29 ], undernutrition [ 30 , 31 ], and poor academic performance [ 32 ]. Even some studies showed lower odds of anemia and undernutrition among children infected with soil-transmitted helminths [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”