Background: School-age children are more predisposed and vulnerable to helminths infections which adversely
affect their nutritional status. The A Body Shape Index (ABSI) has been developed as possible improved alternatives to BMI
and WC in the assessment of nutritional status. Objectives: To detect the prevalence of helminths infections among school
children and to assess nutritional status using ABSI and BMI parameters for them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was
carried out. A total of 500 primary school children (age: 6-12 years) from two randomly selected rural and urban schools were
enrolled in the study. One fecal sample was collected from each participant after their exposure to interview and
anthropometric measurement. The coprological diagnosis was performed by three different methods; direct simple smear,
simple precipitation and Kat-Katz techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.8%. Enterobius
vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana then hookworm infection (39.5%, 38% then 22.5%) Infection was significantly associated
with lower age, females, rural schools and among low social classes than others. There was a significant impairment of the
anthropometric measures, especially weight, height and body mass index among infected children. ABSI showed higher AUC
than BMI. Conclusions: School health programs should provide regular inspection, supervised school meals and health
education.
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