Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39743623›Full record

ArticleBMC public health2025

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional indices among children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years) in Calabar, Nigeria.

Anok Ukam Usang, Edema Enogiomwan Imalele, Emmanuel Offiong Effanga, Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, Ituna Emini Eleng

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Helminthologia · 2026
    Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Anok Ukam UsangDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Edema Enogiomwan ImaleleDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. edemaeddy@gmail.com.
Emmanuel Offiong EffangaDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Ukoha Kalu UkohaDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Ituna Emini ElengDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly affecting children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years). This study investigated the prevalence of STH infections, examined associated risk factors, and assessed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents.

methodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted within schools and took place from April to June 2023 and involved 382 participants in Calabar, Nigeria. All participants in the study completed a questionnaire designed to gather information on their demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding STH infections. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Fresh faecal samples were collected from each study participant and examined via the Kato-Katz technique. The data were analysed using STATA software, version 14. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of STH infections and to examine the associations between STH infection status and stunting, underweight, and wasting.

resultsThe overall prevalence of STHs was 28.8%, with Ascaris lumbricoides (19.6%) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of STHs was greater among males (30.2%) than females (27.7%) and was relatively greater among participants aged 10 years and above (34.8%). All study participants recorded light infection intensities. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 10.5%, 8.4%, and 6.3%, respectively. Respondents with no history of deworming were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Odds Ratio: 0.2; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.1-0.4; P < 0.001). The use of pit latrines was associated with a greater likelihood of STH infection (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3-3.4; P = 0.002). Additionally, respondents with poor attitude scores were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.8; P = 0.003), and those over 10 years old (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04-0.82; P = 0.027) were significantly less likely to be underweight than those aged 5-7 years. There was no association between stunting, underweight, wasting, and STH infection.

conclusionThese findings highlight the necessity for an integrated approach to STH management and nutrition initiatives in Nigeria.

Indexed as

HelminthiasisNutritional StatusSoilAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesFecesFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMaleNigeriaPrevalenceRisk FactorsSoilKAPMalnutritionRisk factorsSchool childrenSTHStunting

Identifiers

PMID39743623
PMCPMC11694370

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.