The effect of ascariosis treatment and health education on the cognitive function of primary school children

Abstract

The prevalence rate of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in urban slums of Jakarta is still high, especially in primary school children, ranging from 60 to 90%. An association between helminthic infection and educational achievement has long been recognized. This study was carried out in the northern part of Jakarta, namely the Koja and Pademangan district where the target schools were situated. In this study primary school children aged 6-8 year were used. Ascariosis treatment and health education were used for intervention. Before intervention basic data which consisted of A. lumbricoides infection, socio-economic status, epidemiology and cognitive function were collected. The cognitive function test was done individually. For statistical analysis SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) was used. The children were then divided into four groups. Group I was given anthelminthic, and group II health education. Group III was given a combination of treatment and health education, whereas in group IV placebos were given. The same basic data were collected 6 months after intervention, except for the epidemiological and socio-economical data. The result of the study showed that a total of 483 students were recruited in the study. But not all these students had complete data. Only 336 students participated in the analysis of Covariance. The results of environmental, and socio-economical studies were described. The result of the cognitive test showed that the Mebendazole group revealed significant improvement on the Coloured Progressive Matrices and coding tests after intervention. This means that intervention did improve their ability in learning,concentration, and a better eye-hand coordination 6 months after intervention. This result showed that even slight infection of Ascaris lumbricoides showed an influence on the cognitive function of primary school children.