Malnutrition and enteric parasitoses among under-five children in Aynalem Village, Tigray

Abstract

In April 1997, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Aynalem Village, Tigray (Ethiopia), to evaluate the nutritional status, as well as the prevalence of enteric parasitoses, in 330 children aged <5 years. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 45.7%, 7.1%, and 43.1%, respectively. The prevalence of low weight-for-age and low stature-for-age were significantly associated with the children's age group ( chi 2=41.9, P<0.01 and chi 2=47.3, P<0.01, respectively). The overall prevalence of infection (with one or more parasites) was 48.1% and it was linearly associated with the children's age group ( chi 2=18.1, P<0.01). Overall parasite prevalence ranged from 16.3% (among 36-48 months old children) to 1.4% (among 6-12 months old children). The highest proportion of those children positive for one or more parasites harboured Entamoeba histolytica (18.3%), Hymenolepis nana (17.3%), Giardia lamblia [Giardia duodenalis] (7.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%). Fewer proportions harboured Strongyloides stercoralis (1.9%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.0%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0%). There was no statistically significant association between age group specific prevalence of malnutrition and the prevalence of enteric infections. These results indicate that both malnutrition and enteric infections exist to a level of public health significance in the area, probably interacting synergistically and with other socio-economic and dietary factors. Long- and short-term measures necessary to alleviate the problem are discussed.