A health and nutritional profile of rural school children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken to measure anthropometric indices, micronutrient status and prevalence of parasite infections in 579 rural South African primary school children. Eleven schools were selected randomly from a Magisterial District in southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In each school, all pupils aged between 8 and 10 years were selected. The following outcome measures were obtained: anthropometric--height for age, weight for age and body mass index; micronutrient status--anaemia, serum ferritin and vitamin A; and prevalence of parasite infections--Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma haematobium. The observed prevalences were: stunting 7.3%, underweight for age 0.7%, and obesity 3.1%; anaemia 16.5% (Hb < 12 g/dl), vitamin A deficiency 34.7% (serum retinol < 20 micrograms/dl) and 28.1% with reduced serum ferritin (< 12 ng/ml); Trichuris trichiura 53.9%, Ascaris lumbricoides 27.3% and Schistosoma haematobium 24.5%. We conclude that micronutrient deficiency, parasitic infestations and stunting remain significant problems among school-aged children in South Africa. Micronutrient supplementation and de-worming provide opportunities for school-based health promotion and primary health care interventions, and might produce significant health and educational benefits.
Jinabhai
C C
CC
Department of Community Health, School of Family and Public Health Medicine, University of Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella 4013, Durban, South Africa. jinabhai@med.und.ac.za
Taylor
M
M
Coutsoudis
A
A
Coovadia
H M
HM
Tomkins
A M
AM
Sullivan
K R
KR
D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000818:Animals; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000453:epidemiology; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014257:Trichuriasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood
D014801:Vitamin A; D005293:Ferritins