By Ekweagwu, Ebere (mrs)
The study assessed the nutritional and health status of school-aged children (5-12 years) in onchocerciasis endemic communities of Ebonyi State and determined the effect of Ivermectin intake on haemoglobin and parasitic load of the children. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. A multi stage random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents for the study. A total sample of 360 school aged children aged 5 – 12 years (made up of 194 males and 166 females) participated in the study. A structured, validated and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit vital information. The weight and height of the children were taken using standard procedures. Blood samples of the children were subjected to haematological analyses within 12 hours of collection. Haemoglobin levels were determined using cyanomethaemoglobin method. The WHO body mass index (BMI) for age z scores and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to classify the children. Stool microscopy was carried out to detect parasitic infection.