The Relationship Between Worm Infection and Nutritional Status of Elementary School Students in the Working Area of the Nulle Public Health Center
Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a neglected public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. These infections predominantly affect school-aged children and may contribute to impaired nutritional status. The working area of the Nulle Public Health Center is located in South Central Timor Regency, an area known to have a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, highlighting the need to evaluate factors associated with nutritional problems.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of worm infection, nutritional status, and the association between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 263 elementary school students were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection included a risk-factor questionnaire, microscopic stool examination using 1% Lugol solution and eosin, and anthropometric assessment for nutritional status. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. Fisher’s exact test was applied with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of worm infection was 4.6% (12 out of 263 students). The most common helminth species identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (83.3%), followed by Trichuris trichiura and mixed infections (8.3% each). Nutritional status was predominantly normal (61.6%), followed by undernutrition (21.3%), severe malnutrition (13.3%), and overnutrition (3.8%). Among students with positive worm infection, the majority were classified as severely malnourished. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between worm infection and nutritional status (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.