Intestinal parasitoses are associated with lower values of weight and height in school-aged children from low socioeconomic level

Objective: To evaluate the association between the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis with socioeconomic and environmental factors, as well as with weight, height and hemoglobin levels in two different socioeconomic groups of children in Osasco (SP), Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared 84 children aged from six to ten years old from a slum area without proper sanitation and poor housing with 35 children attending private school with good socioeconomic level and housing conditions in the same city. Children with diarrhea for less than 30 days or severe illness were excluded. A standard questionnaire was applied for assessing social and environmental conditions. The nutritional assessment was done by Z scores for weight for age, height for age and body mass index. Capillary blood hemoglobin determination was done by HemoCue method and intestinal parasitosis examinaEndereco para correspondencia: Mauro Batista de Morais Rua Pedro de Toledo, 441 CEP 04039-031 – Sao Paulo/SP E-mail: mbmorais@osite.com.br Fonte financiadora: Fundo de Alimentacao e Nutricao – Fundo Municipal de Saude do municipio de Osasco e Unifesp Conflito de interesse: nada a declarar Recebido em: 4/10/2010 Aprovado em: 14/6/2011