A Body Shape Index Versus Body Mass Index in the Assessment of Nutritional Status Among Egyptian Primary School Children Infected with Intestinal Helminthiasis

Background: School-age children are more predisposed and vulnerable to helminths infections which adversely affect their nutritional status. The A Body Shape Index (ABSI) has been developed as possible improved alternatives to BMI and WC in the assessment of nutritional status. Objectives: To detect the prevalence of helminths infections among school children and to assess nutritional status using ABSI and BMI parameters for them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out. A total of 500 primary school children (age: 6-12 years) from two randomly selected rural and urban schools were enrolled in the study. One fecal sample was collected from each participant after their exposure to interview and anthropometric measurement. The coprological diagnosis was performed by three different methods; direct simple smear, simple precipitation and Kat-Katz techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.8%. Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana then hookworm infection (39.5%, 38% then 22.5%) Infection was significantly associated with lower age, females, rural schools and among low social classes than others. There was a significant impairment of the anthropometric measures, especially weight, height and body mass index among infected children. ABSI showed higher AUC than BMI. Conclusions: School health programs should provide regular inspection, supervised school meals and health education.