Intestinal parasitic infections anaemia and undernutrition among tribual adolescents of Madhya Pradesh.

Abstract

Research question: What is the prevalence of worm infection anaemia and under nutrition among tribal adolescents? Objective: To assess worm infection and nutritional status including anaemia among adolescents. Study design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Tribal. Gond tribal community in Kundam block of Jabalpur district Madhya Pradesh. Participants: Adolescent boys and girls aged 11-19 years from 27 villages of Kundam block. Statistical analysis: Z test. Results: High prevalence of under-nutrition in terms of underweight (61.7%) stunting (51.7%) and wasting (32.8%) was observed. 82.3% adolescents were found anaemic. Intestinal parasitosis was observed in 59.5% adolescents. Ancylostoma sp. and Hymenolepis nana were the most common forms of parasitosis observed among them. There is a need to initiate intervention measures aimed at reducing the problem of worm infection anaemia and under-nutrition among adolescents especially in tribal areas. (authors)