ABSTRACT
Geohelminthiases are infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma
duodenale, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura
leading to oedema, iron-deficiency, protein-energy malnutrition, electrolyte derangement,
endocrine upsets and cardio-vascular failure. Resulting sequelae lead to poor health,
physical fitness and anaemia. Geohelminthiases is widespread in areas with poor
sanitation but empirical data on prevalence and its effects on growth, academic
performance and cognitive functions is scanty. The current study aimed at determining
effects of geohelminthiases on growth, Cognitive functions and academic performance of
children in Kibera and Korogocho slums, Nairobi County. Kasarani (Korogocho slum),
Lang’ata (Kibera slum) and Dagoretti (Kibera slum) sub-Counties were purposefully
selected. Four schools were selected purposefully using cluster random sampling method:
2 from Kasarani, 1 from Dagoretti and 1 from Lang’ata sub-Counties. Sample size of 470
children in class 2-7 were selected by systematic random sampling method. Kato-Katz
technique was used to estimate infection intensity. Point prevalence was determined by
comparing total number of infected children against total number of sampled children,
expressed as percentage. Information on Cognitive functions was obtained using Word
Generation Semantic (WGS), Word Generation Initial (WGI), List Memory (LM),
Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), Coding-B (Cod-B), Symbol Search-B (SS-B) and
Digit Span (DSP) tests. Anthropometric measurements were used for computing BMI.
Data on absenteeism and academic performance was deduced from class records for 3
terms pre-treatment (400 mgs albendazole) and immediate 2 terms, post-treatment. Stool
examination was repeated 3 months after treatment. Questionnaire was administered to
collect information on family background to cater for confounders influencing cognitive
functions. Pearson’s Product moment correlation was used to determine associations. ttest
was used to determine differences between means of infected and non-infected
children. ANOVA was used to determine relationships. Linear Regression was used to
identify the confounders influencing Cognitive functions. Highest prevalence of
geohelminths (51.9%) occurred in Dagoretti sub-County (Kibera slum). Highest
prevalence occurred with A. lumbricoides (37.4%) and T. trichiura (33.2%). Highest light
and moderate infections (16.5%) and (10.4%), respectively, occurred in 11-14 years-old
children. Heavy infections (1.1%) occurred in 6-10 and 11-14 year-old children. Highest
absenteeism (44.3%) was in Mbagathi school (Kibera slums) and highest prevalence
(51.7%) in Olympic school (Kibera slum). Significant differences in infection intensities
occurred between males and females (p < 0.05), with females having higher infections
than males. Geohelminthiases negatively affected Growth (r = - 0.809; p < 0.05).
Children with low BMI had high infection rates (p < 0.05). Geohelminthiases inversely
correlated with Cognitive performance as measured in WGS, WGI, LM, SPM, Cod-B
and DSP tests (p < 0.05). Infections positively correlated with Absenteeism (r = 0.971; p
< 0.05) and adversely affected Academic performance (r = - 0.879; p < 0.05).
Interestingly, chemotherapy with albendazole improved BMI, Cognitive functions and
Academic performance. Data generated will support policy on control of
geohelminthiases. It is recommend that regular mass-chemotherapy programmes be
applied in schools and slum communities to improve children’s general health, growth,
school attendance and academic performance.
MWENJI, B (2021). Prevalence Of Geohelminthiases And Its Effects On Growth And Cognitive Functions In Pupils In Kibera And Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/prevalence-of-geohelminthiases-and-its-effects-on-growth-and-cognitive-functions-in-pupils-in-kibera-and-korogocho-slums-nairobi-county-kenya
MWENJI, BENEDICT "Prevalence Of Geohelminthiases And Its Effects On Growth And Cognitive Functions In Pupils In Kibera And Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya" Afribary. Afribary, 27 May. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/prevalence-of-geohelminthiases-and-its-effects-on-growth-and-cognitive-functions-in-pupils-in-kibera-and-korogocho-slums-nairobi-county-kenya. Accessed 02 Nov. 2024.
MWENJI, BENEDICT . "Prevalence Of Geohelminthiases And Its Effects On Growth And Cognitive Functions In Pupils In Kibera And Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya". Afribary, Afribary, 27 May. 2021. Web. 02 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/prevalence-of-geohelminthiases-and-its-effects-on-growth-and-cognitive-functions-in-pupils-in-kibera-and-korogocho-slums-nairobi-county-kenya >.
MWENJI, BENEDICT . "Prevalence Of Geohelminthiases And Its Effects On Growth And Cognitive Functions In Pupils In Kibera And Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 02, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/prevalence-of-geohelminthiases-and-its-effects-on-growth-and-cognitive-functions-in-pupils-in-kibera-and-korogocho-slums-nairobi-county-kenya