Occurrence and effects of intestinal parasitic infections on body mass index of Almajiri children in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasites are prevalent across tropical and subtropical countries. Almajiri children in search of Islamic education in Nigeria are often left without basic necessities for healthy living and are largely prone to parasitic infections, which adversely affect their body mass index (BMI). This study determined the occurrence and effects of intestinal parasites on BMI of a cross-section of 150 almajiri children in Zaria. Their anthropometric indices were measured to assess malnutrition. Fresh stool samples obtained from the children were subjected to formol-ether concentration technique and examined for intestinal parasites using the light compound microscope. Mean age, height, weight and BMI of the children were 8.03±0.10 years, 1.35±0.0m, 28.76±0.64kg and 15.62±0.28 respectively. Overall occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections was 13.3%. The most occurring parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (5.3%). Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms had equal occurrences of 2.7% each. Also, Hymenolepis nana and Schistosoma mansoni had equal occurrences of 1.3% each, while Trichuris trichiura (0.7%) was the least occurring. Children between 5-8 years old had higher occurrence of intestinal parasites (15.1%) than those between 9-12 years old (9.1%, OR=1.778). Almajiri children from Angwan Guava had the highest infections (23.3%), followed by those from Layin Gidan Chairman (20.0%), Layin Bursa (13.3%), Hayin Commada-I (6.7%), but the least was 3.3% among those from Hayin Commada-II. Significant risk factors identified were lack of antihelminthic prophylaxis (P=0.014), lack of regular putting on of footwear (OR=1.500), engagement in farming (OR=1.369), especially on farmlands where untreated night soil was applied (OR=1.138) and lack of regular bath (OR=1.111). Watery stool was significantly associated with parasitic infections (P=0.013). Frequency of malnourished/underweight children was 85.3%, who recorded higher occurrence of intestinal parasites (14.1%; P=0.526) than those with normal BMI (9.1%).These vulnerable children require better education, safe living conditions, health protection and adequate sensitization.