Open AccessTwo thirds of hookworm infected children were anemic at the outpatient department in Jimma Health Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia
Author(s) -
Seble Worku Kebede,
Dosegnaw Argaw Beyene,
Abebe Getnet Meshesha,
Mulusew Alemneh Sinishaw
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
asian pacific journal of tropical disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.208
H-Index - 33
ISSN - 2222-1808
DOI - 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61111-8
Subject(s) - medicine , hookworm infection , anemia , hookworm infections , hematocrit , hemoglobin , outpatient clinic , pediatrics , environmental health , helminths , immunology
Objective: To assess the prevalence of hookworm infections and anemia and also measure their\udassociation among children.\udMethods: A cross-sectional parasitological and hematological study was conducted on 130\udchildren at Jimma Health Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected\udand processed for direct microscopic examination. Blood samples were examined by using\udhematocrit to determine the hemoglobin level. Data were collected using a semi-structured\udquestionnaire from every study participant.\udResults: The overall prevalence of hookworm infection and anemia was found to be 18 (13.48%)\udand 43 (33.07%), respectively. Anemia prevalences were 66.67% (12/18) among hookworm\udinfected children and 33.07% (43/130) among all study participants. Hookworm had a\udstatistically significant association with anemia and predisposing factors such as shoes wearing\udhabits and methods of excreta disposal (P < 0.05).\udConclusions: Prevalences of hookworm infection and anemia were low among children. But\udthe prevalence of anemia as compared to hookworm was too high. Attention should be given to\udcontributing factors accordingly to reduce hookworm infection and anemia