Resumen

REYES, Patricia et al. Massive deworming, nutritional status and learning capacity in school children in a rural community. Rev. salud pública [online]. 1999, vol.1, n.3, pp.255-265. ISSN 0124-0064.

One hundred and ninety eight children of a rural village school were studied for parasitological variables, nutritional status (anthropometric variables and blood parameters) and assessment of their learning capacity. The study was designed as a baseline study and included both massive anthelminthic treatment and follow-up of the reinfection process. The initial prevalence of infection by soil helminths was: Ascaris lumbricoides 36,4 %, Trichuris trichiura 34.8%, hookworm 18,2 % and Strongyloides stercoralis 4,5 %. 53,1 % of children were under risk of malnutrition and the values of hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration were below normal in 83 % and 55 % respectively. An important deficit in all the learning capacity tests was observed.

Some relationship was found between these results and infection by parasites.

Palabras clave : Helminths; nutritional risk; learning capacity; treatment; reinfection.

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