School based deworming program decreases prevalence of anemia

Objectives:
High prevalence of anemia attributable to intestinal parasite infection occurs among children in developing countries. As a result mass treatment of all children with anti-helminthic drugs particularly in school setting is being implemented. There are few studies conducted to assess impact of deworming on anemia prevalence among school children with inconclusive finding. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does deworming decrease prevalence of anemia among school children?

Study design:
This review article included 5 cross-sectional studies and 3 RCTs, which enrolled a total of 1,005,239 school children.

Each study enrolled at least 144 school children with in the program and assessed the level of hemoglobin or status of anaemia among dewormed and non-dewormed children. Children were received at least one or more round of deworming 6 months apart and followed for at least a year and the studies were published during the period 1998-2015.  

The funnel plot showed no evidence of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found, the overall change in the hemoglobin level after deworming was 1.6 [95% CI = 1.01-2.25] gram/deciliter. There was no difference between the random effect model and the fixed effect model.

The investigators found the prevalence of anemia was markedly changed after the program, particularly in the studies which implemented deworming with hygiene program, co-administration of iron and retinol (vitamin A).

The investigators concluded school based deworming program decreases prevalence of anemia and will contribute to reduction of iron deficiency anemia in the community. Therefore, the program should be expanded in all areas and integrated with other child care programs.

Original title:
The Effect of Deworming School Children on Anemia Prevalence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Girum T and Wasie A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6110060/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on iron, vitamin A, food fortification/malnutrition and deworming right here.