Intestinal Parasite Infestation as Risk Factor of Malnutrition in under Five Year Children at Gamping Subdistrict of Sleman, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infestation, although the light will result in loss of nitrogen, interfere the absorption of nutrients and reduce appetite. If this occurs in children, it will increase the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is still a public health problem in Indonesia. This study aims to reveal the role of intestinal parasitic infestation in children under five with malnutrition and the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infestation in children under five at Sub district Gamping of Sleman, Yogyakarta Province of Indonesia.Subjects were 54 under five year old children in Primary Health Care (PHC) of Sub district Gamping I-II and the last three months of not treated by anthelmintic drugs. Fecal samples are used for microscopic examination of intestinal parasitic infestation. Determination of nutritional status based on examination of blood serum (biochemical) and measurement of height and body weight (anthropometric). Biochemical parameters used were total protein and hemoglobin, whereas in anthropometry using a combination of three indicators: W/A, W/H and H/A. Risk factors supporting data obtained through a questionnaire. Stool examination conducted by wet mount method and floatation concentration Faust et al. to examine intestinal protozoan infection and saturated NaCl floatation for intestinal nematodes investigation. Intestinal parasite infestation prevalence data, risk factors and nutritional status assessed statistically by chi-square analysis to determine the relationship between variables.The prevalence of nutritional status of children was 64% normal, 34% acute malnutrition, and no severe malnutrition. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation were 20%, those are Ascaris lumbriocoides (8%), hookworms (4%) and Entamoeba coli (8%). There is no significant relationship between intestinal parasitic infestation and nutritional status (p> 0.05). The factors associated with intestinal parasitic infestation of an under five year old children is parent’s education level, while comorbidities, home sanitation facilities, socio-economic status and access to health services is not significantly associated.

Keywords: nutritional status, intestinal parasites, anthropometric, biochemical parameters