To efficiently control soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris, Trichuris, and hookworm), WHO, PAHO, and others recommend the inclusion of an education strategy in school-based deworming programs. However, the effectiveness of such a strategy on the rate of STH re-infection and on education indicators, such as absenteeism, remains to be fully understood. The proposed research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a post-deworming education intervention targeted to Grade 5 school children enrolled in Belén's schools using a cluster-randomized trial design. Results will be used to inform school-based deworming programs in Peru and other similar endemic areas in Latin America and, indeed, around the world.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,101
This is a health hygiene education strategy which encourages the pro-active role of both teachers and students and changes in attitudes and practices with the aim of keeping the level of parasite infection low, through increased knowledge.
Asociación Civil Selva Amazónica
Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
Soil-transmitted helminth re-infection (Ascaris, Trichuris, or Hookworm).
Time frame: 4 months post-deworming
Absenteeism rate.
Time frame: During the first 4 months following deworming
Eggs per grams reduction rate.
Time frame: 4 months post-deworming
Weight gain (kg)
Time frame: 4 months post-deworming
Height gain (cm)
Time frame: 4 months post-deworming
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