Prevalence of Hookworm infection and hemoglobin status among rural elementary school children in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

A cross sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with emphasis on hookworm infection on apparently healthy 421 elementary school children of Boloso Sorie woreda. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied children was found to be 69.4%, of Ascaris lumbricoides dominating (40%) followed by hookworm (26.8). Low level of hemoglobin was not significantly associated with hookworm infection. The overall prevalence of anaemic condition (below normal level of hemoglobin) was found to be 20.6% (87/422). Promotion of appropriate solid and liquid waste disposal, supply of safe water and feet wearing are recommended. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2002;16(1):113-115]