The Relationship Between Intestinal Worms Infection and Nutritional Status in Children Based on Body Mass Index

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 88 views

The Relationship Between Intestinal Worms Infection and Nutritional Status in Children Based on Body Mass Index

Introduction

Nutritional status is a crucial indicator of health that arises from the balance between nutritional needs and intake. In the context of child health, nutritional status can be a significant risk factor for disease incidence and mortality rates. In developing countries like Indonesia, various factors can affect the nutritional status of children, including inadequate food consumption patterns and the presence of accompanying diseases, one of which is intestinal worm infection. This infection is often caused by worms transmitted through the soil (soil-transmitted helminths or STH), and school-age children are the most vulnerable groups because they often interact with the soil.

Understanding the Impact of Intestinal Worms Infection on Nutritional Status

Intestinal worms infection can have a significant impact on the nutritional status of children. The infection can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, causing children to become underweight or malnourished. In addition, the infection can also lead to anemia, which can further exacerbate the nutritional status of children. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children.

Research Purposes

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between intestinal worms infections and the nutritional status of children based on the Body Mass Index (BMI). This study aims to provide insights into the impact of intestinal worms infection on the nutritional status of children and to identify the factors that contribute to this relationship.

Research Methods

This study is an analytic study with a cross-sectional approach carried out in several elementary schools in Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency, Medan. The research sample consisted of 101 children who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected through Consecutive Sampling technique.

Research Results

Of the 101 children examined, the proportion of children infected with intestinal worms consists of 12.9% with tricuriasis, 2.0% with ascariasis, 2.0% with hookworms, and 1.0% has a mixture of infection between trichuriasis and whipworms. Based on the evaluation of nutritional status through IMT, most children (81.2%) have normal nutritional status, while 11.9% of children are classified as underweight, 4.0% overweight, and 3.0% obese.

Analysis using the Chi-Square test shows that there is no significant relationship between intestinal worms infections and nutritional status based on BMI, with a P value of 0.219 (P> 0.05).

Discussion

The results of this study provide an important insight into the interaction between intestinal worm infections and the nutritional status of children. Although worm infections can affect health and nutrition conditions, in this study there were no significant relationships between the two. This can be caused by several factors, including eating patterns that may remain adequate despite infection, or high prevalence of normal nutritional status among respondents.

The importance of maintaining a child's health does not only lie in infection control, but also in increasing access to nutritious food. In this context, comprehensive nutritional education and public health intervention is needed to support the health of children in Indonesia.

Conclusion

This study shows that there is no significant relationship between intestinal worms infections and nutritional status based on body mass index in elementary school age children. This indicates the need for more studies to understand the factors that contribute to the nutritional status of children and the need for a more holistic intervention program to improve the health of children in vulnerable environments.

Implications for Public Health Policy

The findings of this study have significant implications for public health policy in Indonesia. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the nutritional status of children, including increasing access to nutritious food and providing comprehensive nutritional education. In addition, the study suggests that public health interventions should focus on preventing intestinal worms infection and promoting healthy eating habits among children.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children. Future studies should aim to identify the factors that contribute to this relationship and to develop effective interventions to improve the nutritional status of children. In addition, future studies should also explore the impact of intestinal worms infection on the nutritional status of children in different settings and populations.

Recommendations for Practice

The findings of this study have significant implications for practice in Indonesia. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential impact of intestinal worms infection on the nutritional status of children and should provide comprehensive nutritional education and support to families. In addition, healthcare providers should also work to prevent intestinal worms infection through public health interventions and promote healthy eating habits among children.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. The study was conducted in a specific setting and population, and the findings may not be generalizable to other settings and populations. In addition, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias and error. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and to provide more robust evidence on the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children based on body mass index. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the nutritional status of children, including increasing access to nutritious food and providing comprehensive nutritional education. Future studies should aim to identify the factors that contribute to this relationship and to develop effective interventions to improve the nutritional status of children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Intestinal Worms Infection and Nutritional Status in Children

Q: What is intestinal worms infection?

A: Intestinal worms infection is a type of parasitic infection that occurs when worms, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, infect the intestines of humans. These worms can be transmitted through contaminated soil, food, or water.

Q: How common is intestinal worms infection in children?

A: Intestinal worms infection is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with intestinal worms, with children being the most vulnerable group.

Q: What are the symptoms of intestinal worms infection in children?

A: The symptoms of intestinal worms infection in children can vary depending on the type of worm and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Q: How does intestinal worms infection affect nutritional status in children?

A: Intestinal worms infection can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, causing children to become underweight or malnourished. The infection can also lead to anemia, which can further exacerbate the nutritional status of children.

Q: What is the relationship between intestinal worms infection and body mass index (BMI) in children?

A: The study found that there is no significant relationship between intestinal worms infection and BMI in children. However, further research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to this relationship.

Q: How can intestinal worms infection be prevented in children?

A: Intestinal worms infection can be prevented through good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, especially after using the toilet or before eating. Children should also avoid playing in contaminated soil and eating undercooked or raw meat.

Q: What is the treatment for intestinal worms infection in children?

A: The treatment for intestinal worms infection in children typically involves taking medication to kill the worms. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary to address any complications or secondary infections.

Q: How can parents and caregivers support children with intestinal worms infection?

A: Parents and caregivers can support children with intestinal worms infection by ensuring they receive proper treatment, maintaining good hygiene practices, and providing a balanced diet to help them recover from the infection.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of intestinal worms infection in children?

A: The long-term consequences of intestinal worms infection in children can include stunted growth and development, reduced cognitive function, and increased risk of other health problems.

Q: How can healthcare providers support children with intestinal worms infection?

A: Healthcare providers can support children with intestinal worms infection by providing proper diagnosis and treatment, educating parents and caregivers about prevention and management, and referring children to specialists if necessary.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy in Indonesia?

A: The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the nutritional status of children in Indonesia, including increasing access to nutritious food and providing comprehensive nutritional education. Public health interventions should focus on preventing intestinal worms infection and promoting healthy eating habits among children.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more robust evidence on the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future studies should aim to identify the factors that contribute to the relationship between intestinal worms infection and nutritional status in children and to develop effective interventions to improve the nutritional status of children.