Journal of School of Public Health and

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The start of this survey, 588 students (294 in either area) were selected randomly but the ultimate size of the sample was increased to 905, allowing for a 35% omission rate. Anthropometric measurements and stool examinations were performed. Questionnaires dealing with socioeconomic status were completed through interviews with mothers. We also carried out blood tests on a subsample of 180 individuals (1/5 of the the original sample).The results of the study were as follows:In Area 1:4.3% and 15% of the subjects showed evidence of anemia and parasites, respectively.Th mean hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations were 13.46 g/dland40%.Anthropometric assessment revealed rates of 8.6% and 1.3% for severe wasting and obesity, and 11.9% for severe stunting. Gauging the weight-for-age index on standard growth charts, 13.1% of the subjects had severe wasting and 14.4% suffered from severe stunting and based on BMI, 21.3% were severely malnourished.ln Area 2:5.8% and 13% of the subjects suffered from anemia and parasites, respectively.Mean hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations were 13.05 g/dl and 37.8%.Anthropometric assessment showed that 9% of the subjects had severe wasting, and 1.8% were obese. 11.7% showed severe stunting. On standard growth charts, 12.4% had severe wasting and 15.3% were severely stunted. Judging by the Body Mass Index, 21.6%) of the subject had severe malnutrition.The mean weight, height and BMI in both areas were substandard and the mean weight in Area 1 was lower than in Area 2. Statistical Associations:In Area 1: the following variables showed statistically significant relationships: History of parasite infection in the last year with child's weight for age. Mother's age and history of maternal parasite infection in the fast year with child's height for age.Parasites infection in the last year with BMI.In Area 2: statistically significant relationships were found:Between mother's literacy / mother's job /family income and child's weight for age.Between family income / percentage of income spent on food/ current parasite infection and height for age.Between diseases affecting food intake and BMI.

Keywords: 10-year old female students, factors affecting nutritional status

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