Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection: The Severity of Anaemia and Learning Concentration Levels

Abstract

Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) is a worm infection with a prevalence of 1.5 bil-lion people worldwide and is mostly found in preschool and school children. Worm infection can affect the level of concentration and the quality of learning in less optimal achievement within their potential. The purpose of the research was to determine the correlation between STH infection with the occurrences of anaemia and the level of learning concentration in children in grades II-VI of the elementary school in Kampung Melayu Sub-district, Bengkulu City. The research was conducted using an analytic observational with a cross-sectional design. The research took 215 students as samples with a stratified random sampling method. Faces specimens were examined by using the Kato-Katz technique. Haemoglobin levels were measured by using the POCT method and students’ learning concentration levels were measured by using the Bourdon Vos Test. The results showed a significant relationship between STH infection with the occurrences of anemia (p = 0.001; r = 0.225) and the learning concentration level (p = 0.014; r =-0.167). Continuous education and coordina-tion with related institutions are necessary to carry out strategies for preventing and treating worms thoroughly.