INTESTINAL PARASITES, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: Intestinal parasites are a cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world particularly in developing countries and they are common health problems of children. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children, assessed risk factors predisposing to infection and the nutritional status with cognitive function of the pupils.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study and 384 pupils from six public primary schools in Ile-Ife were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard procedures. The intelligence quotients of the pupils were assessed using the Draw-a-person- test. Stool samples were collected and examined. Data was processed using SPSS Inc USA version 17. Statistical analysis was done using frequency, percentages, tables and Pearson's chi-square was used to determine the association between intestinal parasites, nutritional status and cognitive function.

Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study population was 24% with double infection occurring in 3.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides most prevalent 22.1%, Hookworm 3.4%, Hymenolepis nana 0.3%. Intestinal parasites were present in those that use bush and refuse dump for defeacation. The nutritional status of the pupils showed 95.8% normal weight, 3.6% underweight and 0.5% overweight. In terms of cognition, 65.4% mentally deficient, 14.3% mentally dull and 20.3% average.

Conclusion: Intestinal parasites were prevalent among primary school children and use of bush or refuse dump for defeacation was a risk factor. There was no association between intestinal parasites, nutritional status and cognition.