WORM INFESTATIONS AND ANEMIA AMONG PEDIATRIC POPULATION IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of worm infestations and anemia in the Pediatric Population of The Indus Hospital and Health Network.

STUDY DESIGN: This investigation followed the design of cross-sectional framework

PLACE AND DURATION OF THE STUDY:This research was executed at the Pediatric and Emergency departments of The Indus Hospital Karachi from August 2023 to June 2024

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted at The Indus Hospital in Karachi, occurring between August 2023 and June 2024, involving a cohort of 100 pediatric participants recruited via a non-probability consecutive sampling approach. The assessment of hemoglobin concentrations and the analysis of stool specimens were performed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and parasitic infestation. The data were systematically analyzed with SPSS version 26, employing Chi-square tests to determine statistical associations.

RESULTS: Among 100 children (58% male, 42% female; mean age 8.87 ± 2.20 years), 16% had worm infestation and 23% were anemic. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite (43.8%). No statistically significant association was found between worm infestation and anemia (p = 0.329), or gender with either condition. However, a significant association was observed between age and anemia (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION: This study found a notable prevalence of worm infestations and anemia among children, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common helminth. Although no significant association was observed between worm infestation and anemia, a significant relationship was identified between age and anemia. These findings underscore the need for age-targeted nutritional assessment, routine deworming, and comprehensive public health strategies to reduce the burden of anemia and parasitic infections in pediatric populations, especially within urban healthcare settings.