The Effect Of The Treatment Of Worms On Physical Fitness In Elementary School Children With Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections

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The Effect of Treatment of Worms on Physical Fitness in Elementary School Children with Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections

Introduction

Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of a child's overall health and well-being. It encompasses various components, including cardiorespiration, musculoskeletal, and body morphology. However, certain health problems can interfere with a child's physical fitness, one of which is the Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection. This infection can cause impaired absorption of nutrients, fat malabsorption, and damage to the intestinal mucosa, ultimately leading to a decrease in physical fitness. In this article, we will discuss the effect of treatment of worms on physical fitness in elementary school children with STH infections.

The Importance of Physical Fitness in Children

Physical fitness is essential for children's growth and development. It plays a significant role in their overall health, academic performance, and social interactions. Children with good physical fitness tend to have better concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills, which are critical for their academic success. Moreover, physical fitness helps children develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.

The Impact of STH Infection on Physical Fitness

STH infection is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. This infection can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In severe cases, STH infection can lead to malnutrition, anemia, and impaired cognitive function. As a result, children with STH infection may experience a decline in their physical fitness, making it challenging for them to engage in physical activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Treatment of STH Infection and Its Effect on Physical Fitness

Treatment of STH infection aims to eradicate the presence of worms in the body and restore the child's physical fitness. The most commonly used medication for STH infection is Albendazole 400 mg, which works by interfering with the absorption of glucose by parasites. Studies have shown that treatment of STH infection can lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, particularly in muscle strength and flexibility.

Research Methods and Results

This study aimed to determine the effect of treatment of worms on physical fitness in elementary school children with STH infection. The study used a quasi-experimental design and was conducted in Pahang and Sei Muka Village, Talawi District, Batubara Regency, North Sumatra, between July to December 2018. A total of 68 children aged 9 to 12 years were chosen by consecutive sampling, and data analysis was carried out using a T-dependent test with a significance level of P <0.05.

The results showed a positive influence of the treatment of worms on several physical fitness components, especially in muscle strength with the value of P = 0.001 and muscle flexibility with the value of P = 0.031. However, this study found no significant effect between the type of worm, nutritional status, and hemoglobin levels after treatment of children's physical fitness.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, the treatment of worms showed a positive effect on increasing strength and flexibility of the muscles of children infected with STH. However, this treatment has no effect on the VO2 Max value, which is the main indicator of aerobic fitness. This finding is important for the development of public health programs to improve the health and physical fitness of children in areas that are endemic to STH infection. Routine treatment and education about the prevention of worm infections should be the main focus in efforts to improve the quality of life of children.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Routine treatment: Regular treatment of STH infection should be provided to children in areas that are endemic to this infection.
  2. Education and awareness: Education and awareness programs should be implemented to inform children and their families about the prevention of worm infections and the importance of regular treatment.
  3. Public health programs: Public health programs should be developed to improve the health and physical fitness of children in areas that are endemic to STH infection.
  4. Research and development: Further research and development are needed to improve the treatment of STH infection and to develop effective public health programs to prevent and control this infection.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Limited geographic scope: The study was conducted in a specific geographic area, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other areas.
  3. Short follow-up period: The follow-up period of this study was relatively short, which may limit the ability to assess the long-term effects of treatment on physical fitness.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to address the limitations of this study and to explore the following research questions:

  1. Long-term effects of treatment: What are the long-term effects of treatment on physical fitness in children with STH infection?
  2. Effectiveness of different treatment regimens: What are the effects of different treatment regimens on physical fitness in children with STH infection?
  3. Impact of treatment on other health outcomes: What are the effects of treatment on other health outcomes, such as cognitive function and academic performance, in children with STH infection?

By addressing these research questions, future studies can provide valuable insights into the effects of treatment on physical fitness in children with STH infection and inform the development of effective public health programs to prevent and control this infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Treatment of Worms on Physical Fitness in Elementary School Children with Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections

Q: What is Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection?

A: STH infection is a type of parasitic infection caused by worms that are transmitted through contaminated soil. It is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.

Q: What are the symptoms of STH infection?

A: The symptoms of STH infection can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, STH infection can lead to malnutrition, anemia, and impaired cognitive function.

Q: How does STH infection affect physical fitness in children?

A: STH infection can cause a decline in physical fitness in children, making it challenging for them to engage in physical activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is because the infection can lead to malnutrition, anemia, and impaired cognitive function, which can affect a child's ability to perform physical tasks.

Q: What is the treatment for STH infection?

A: The treatment for STH infection typically involves the use of medication, such as Albendazole 400 mg, which works by interfering with the absorption of glucose by parasites. The treatment is usually administered orally and is effective in eradicating the presence of worms in the body.

Q: Does treatment of STH infection improve physical fitness in children?

A: Yes, treatment of STH infection has been shown to improve physical fitness in children. Studies have found that treatment can lead to significant improvements in muscle strength and flexibility, as well as other physical fitness components.

Q: What are the benefits of treating STH infection in children?

A: The benefits of treating STH infection in children include:

  • Improved physical fitness
  • Reduced risk of malnutrition and anemia
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Reduced risk of impaired academic performance
  • Improved overall health and well-being

Q: How can parents and caregivers prevent STH infection in children?

A: Parents and caregivers can prevent STH infection in children by:

  • Ensuring that children wear shoes when playing in areas where the soil may be contaminated
  • Washing hands regularly, especially after playing in areas where the soil may be contaminated
  • Keeping children's fingernails short to prevent the ingestion of worms
  • Providing regular treatment for STH infection, as recommended by a healthcare provider

Q: What are the long-term effects of STH infection on physical fitness in children?

A: The long-term effects of STH infection on physical fitness in children are not well understood. However, studies have found that children who have been infected with STH may experience long-term effects on their physical fitness, including reduced muscle strength and flexibility.

Q: Can STH infection be prevented?

A: Yes, STH infection can be prevented by taking regular treatment, as recommended by a healthcare provider. Additionally, parents and caregivers can take steps to prevent STH infection in children, such as ensuring that children wear shoes when playing in areas where the soil may be contaminated and washing hands regularly.

Q: What are the most common types of worms that cause STH infection?

A: The most common types of worms that cause STH infection include:

  • Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
  • Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
  • Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm)
  • Necator americanus (hookworm)

Q: How can healthcare providers diagnose STH infection?

A: Healthcare providers can diagnose STH infection by:

  • Conducting a physical examination
  • Performing a stool test to detect the presence of worms
  • Conducting a blood test to detect the presence of antibodies against the worms

Q: What are the treatment options for STH infection?

A: The treatment options for STH infection include:

  • Medication, such as Albendazole 400 mg
  • Surgery, in severe cases
  • Supportive care, such as hydration and nutrition therapy

Q: Can STH infection be treated at home?

A: No, STH infection should be treated by a healthcare provider. Self-treatment can lead to complications and may not be effective in eradicating the presence of worms in the body.