Environmental enteric dysfunction, soil transmitted helminthiasis and stunting among 36- to 59-month-old children in Quezon Province, Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2020-0043
- Author:
Angelina R. Bustos
1
,
2
;
Carmelita M. Rebancos
2
,
3
;
Corazon VC. Barba
2
,
4
;
Victorio B. Molina
5
;
Merlyne M. Paunlagui
2
,
6
;
Nancy A. Tandang
2
,
7
Author Information
1. 1Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Bañ
2. os, Philippines
3. 2School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Bañ
4. Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Bañ
5. 3Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
6. Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Bañ
7. Institute of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Bañ
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Home garden, dietary diversity score, nutritional status
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2021;27(No.2):221-231
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is relevant in public health
as it is a potential cause of child stunting. In the Philippines, stunting affects 33.4%
of children in 2015. As of date, no local studies on EED exist. This study primarily
aimed to determine the prevalence of EED, soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and
stunting; and their relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 120 children aged 36-59 months old in Quezon Province, Philippines. EED
was assessed via glucose hydrogen breath test with a cut-off of >20 ppm over
baseline by 90 minutes suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a
biomarker of EED. Kato Katz Technique was used to determine STH. Stunting was
determined using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards.
Descriptive and correlation analyses of data were done at 10% level of significance.
The study received approval from the National Ethics Committee of PCHRD-DOST,
Philippines. Results: Data on expired hydrogen level of <20ppm were documented.
The prevalence of STH among children were 38.1% for Ascaris lumbricodes, 15.3%
for Trichuris trichiura, and 1.7% for hookworm infections. A high rate of stunting at
40.0% was observed. There was a significant positive association between stunting
and the presence of Ascaris (p=0.01). Conclusion: There was no case of EED
detected in the study. The severity of stunting was high at 40.0%. Among the STH,
the prevalence of 38.1% children having Ascaris lumbricodes was alarming in terms
of morbidity control. Nutrition interventions including WASH practices and the use
of anthelminthic drugs need to be intensified to address stunting and STH.
- Full text:4.2021my0538.pdf
