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.
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
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Jinabhai
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Taylor
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Coutsoudis
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Coovadia
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Tomkins
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Sullivan
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