Effect of Albendazole on Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Preschool Children
Author Information
Author(s): Kirwan Patrick, Asaolu Samuel O, Molloy Síle F, Abiona Titilayo C, Jackson Andrew L, Holland Celia V
Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
Does repeated four-monthly albendazole treatments reduce soil-transmitted helminth infections in preschool children?
Conclusion
The study found that repeated four-monthly treatments with albendazole significantly reduced the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infections in preschool children.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of preschool children were infected with one or more helminths at baseline.
- The most prevalent STH was Ascaris lumbricoides, affecting 47.6% of children.
- Mean egg count (epg) for A. lumbricoides dropped from 1095 at baseline to 117 at 14 months in the treatment group.
- 12% of children in the treatment group were infected with A. lumbricoides at the end of the study compared to 43% in the placebo group.
Takeaway
Giving kids medicine every four months can help get rid of worms in their tummies and make them healthier.
Methodology
The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial conducted in four semi-urban villages in Nigeria, with children aged 1-4 receiving either albendazole or placebo every four months for 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to loss to follow-up, although baseline characteristics were similar between those lost and those analyzed.
Limitations
High attrition rate (68.4%) and non-random selection of subjects may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1-4 years from semi-urban communities in Nigeria, predominantly Yoruba-speaking.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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